West Chester University’s second annual Turkey Trot was held on Thursday, Nov. 10. The Department of Wellness Promotion, Sykes Student Union, Campus Recreation and Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs hosted the event. Open to everyone, the 5k began at 5 p.m. at the Ehinger Gymnasium and also ended at the Ehinger Gymnasium. The 5k had a route of 3.1 miles on the West Chester University’s north campus. The route included Church Street, Rosedale Avenue, South High Street, Sharpless Street and New Street.
Due to the construction on the 5k route, the route was monitored as well as staffed by volunteer personnel to ensure the safety of those participating. The event included a pre-yoga session at 4 and lasted until 4:45 p.m. on the Ehinger lawn. Yoga mats were provided at the event for participation.
The cost of registration was $8 for students, $10 for faculty and staff and $12 for those of other affiliations. Those wanting to participate could register online at the WCU campus recreation website. Any individuals who chose to volunteer assisted in set-up, cleanup, registration, T-shirt distribution, food distribution or acted as route monitors.
Those who registered early received a T-shirt. Participants were required to bring at least two non-perishable food items with them the day of the 5k prior to receiving their shirts. The non-perishable food items benefitted the Chester County Food Bank.
In preparation for the 5k, WCU’s Student Recreation Center held an eight week long 5k training program. The training program was open to any WCU community member looking to prepare for the 5k. Open to all fitness levels, the program cost $20 and participants were trained by the coaches at the WCU Student Recreation Center. Trainings began on Monday, Sept. 12 and ended on Monday, Nov. 7.
The 5k Turkey Trot began in 2015 with the hopes of promoting and encouraging healthy and active lifestyles throughout the campus community. The Turkey Trot has partnered with the Chester County Food Bank to help ensure that families throughout the area can count on food security. For more information on the Turkey Trot event, visit WCU’s campus recreation website or the WCU Wellness Promotion Facebook page.
Rachael Wentz is a fourth-year student majoring in communications studies. She can be reached at RW781262@wcupa.edu.