Latrobe Turkey Trot 5K turns 25, adds 'virtual' race division

Dedicated competitors, as well as those who enjoy the sociable holiday atmosphere, are expected to show up Thanksgiving morning for Latrobe’s 25th anniversary Turkey Trot foot race.

Craig Shevchik, director of Latrobe-GLSD Parks & Recreation, which organizes the race, is hoping to mark the silver anniversary by attracting more than 1,200 participants on Nov. 28, which would set a record for the 5K run/walk.

Inspired by a similar Thanksgiving Day race that began a few years earlier in neighboring Greensburg, Latrobe’s version has been embraced by its community members.

“We started out with 136 runners and now we average about 1,000 to 1,100,” Shevchik said. “Our Turkey Trot is more than just a 5K run/walk. It’s almost a reunion for people coming back to Latrobe to meet with family and friends.

“It’s pretty amazing to see people group together and talk about their memories of growing up in Latrobe.”

Former Latrobe residents who can’t get back home to take part in the race in person needn’t feel left out, Shevchik said, thanks to a new “virtual division” introduced this year.

Some already have registered for this expanded aspect of the race, he said. Virtual participants can choose to run or walk and then submit an image of their 5K time on a treadmill, steps counted on a Fitbit or results from a Garmin device or app. Results submitted in advance, by Nov. 25, will be posted online along with those of in-person participants.

Awards are presented to the top three male and female finishers overall and in each of nine age divisions. They received medals in past races, but this year, they’ll take home trophies featuring a turkey design.

For some participants, snagging one of the event’s long sleeve T-shirts is just as important as an award. Virtual racers also will get one.

Many who sign up regularly for the race proudly wear the shirt they received at a previous year’s event. Others get into the Thansksgiving spirit with customized attire.

“We’ve had people dress up as turkeys, hunters and pilgrims, which is always fun,” Shevchik said. A Turkey Trot mascot, in gobbler garb, starts the race.

The race begins at 9:30 a.m. for runners, and a few minutes later for walkers, on Memorial Drive.

The race route follows city streets beyond City Brewing and back.

Participants can pick up race packets at Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium beginning at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving or from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 27.

Preregistration by Nov. 18 costs $20; visit latrobe recreation.org or call 724-537-4331 with questions. Registration on the day of the race costs $25 and doesn’t guarantee a T-shirt.

According to Shevchik, the Turkey Trot is the largest single fundraiser for the nonprofit recreation program, generating roughly between 4% and 5% of its $545,000 budget.