Turkey trotters celebrate Thanksgiving with workout

TWIN FALLS - They say the early bird gets the worm, but what about the turkey?

About 250 people participated in the College of Southern Idaho Triathlon Club's annual Turkey Trot 5K fun run/walk Thursday morning.

The non-timed event was an opportunity for people of all ages to burn some calories before their Thanksgiving feast. It was also a chance for racers to pick up an extra turkey for their Thanksgiving meal. That is, if they could carry one of six frozen birds across the finish line.

Brooklyn Scholes, 18, was well-prepared. Dressed as a pilgrim in black running shorts, he pushed a baby stroller meant for a frozen turkey before the race began.

"Most of them are 12 to 16 pounds. So you got to work," said race organizer John Twiss.

Twiss said money raised will benefit the CSI Triathlon Club. Ten members recently returned from a competition in Las Vegas, Nev. Twiss said the club is free and open to anyone. Never competed in a triathlon? Not to worry, Twiss said. They will help participants train for the swimming, biking and running that make up a triathlon.

Before the race, Emmy Lou Baird, of Kimberly, stood with her children Hannah, 7, and Mariah, 5, and sister-in-law Kayde Baird, of Boise. All four were dressed in stocking hats decorated as turkeys.

Emmy Lou said their turkey was already in the oven, so they decided to get in a quick workout.

"We wanted to be festive, counteract the later (eating) and have some fun and fresh air," she said.

Waiting nearby to see off her rafter of turkeys was Kayde's mother, Jorja Baird.

"I came out for the entertainment. You are looking for different festivities than eating a big meal," Jorja said.

Last year, Savannah Johnson, 13, said she dressed as a flying pilgrim. This year, she decided to come as a more feathery character. She wore a brown and green tutu and turkey hat, as did her walking partner, Dagmar Black.

"You've got to have that special tutu for all occasions," Black said.

The Thanksgiving roast probably was going into the oven as the two prepared to walk, Black said. Then they probably would go home and make pie.

Black, who is originally from Germany, said Thanksgiving is a holiday she did not grow up celebrating, but she enjoys the family aspect of it.

"It's good food, good company, and I enjoy being together," she said.