Franklin Park 5k Turkey Trot

COVID-19, “ The Rona Era”

Last year, we were in the height of COVID and the Turkey Trot was a virtual 5k. Last year, a handful of us, social distance and ran the 5k in Franklin Park. We(BGR) made our own route. This year, with everyone vaccinated, we are live, in person. This year, over 1,300 runners signed up to run this annual event, which is apart of my Thanksgiving tradition.

We were the third largest team with 24 members signed up to run the Trot. Our costume theme for this year was Positive Affirmations. This was perfect, considering all the violence and injustice that has happened to black and brown bodies during Covid. Just days before the run, all three men who killed Ahmaud Arbery for running while black were found guilty. The men man who killed George Floyd earlier this year was found guilty. There are still disproportionate numbers of black and brown bodies that have been impacted by covid around health, deaths, unemployment, education..etc.

All of that to say, Positive Affirminations for the Turkey Trot was spot on. I loved my shirt. Some of the women DIY their shirts, I brought mine “ Black Women are dope period.” Love it.

It was a beautiful, warm day for the trot. Afterwards, my co-ambassador had a Thanksgiving Tailgate for the ladies after the race.

This will always be my tradition. Turkey day started off warm, sociable, running, and fun.