Maggie Ramold | Sports Co-Editor
On Monday, Nov. 25th, Buena Vista University (BVU) Recreational Services hosted the 2nd annual Turkey Trot. Around 90 participants braved the cold weather to run or walk the 5k route from the BVU rec house to King’s Pointe and back.
As part of the Turkey Trot, each participant donated one non-perishable food item and was strongly encouraged to wear a costume to run or walk in. Many of the participants showed their spirit by wearing a variety of different costumes. Director of Student Success Services, Mark Shea, won best dressed individual for his referee costume, while Team Biohazard, a group of science professors and students, won best dressed team.
After each participant finished the race, they were treated with a medal, as well as s’mores and hot cocoa out on the new deck outside of Rec House. The Rec Services staff provided not only traditional s’mores but gave a twist on the classic by adding Reese’s, peanut butter, and jelly just to name a few new ingredients.
“I think the participants appreciated the medals. Also, we were able to showcase the firepit and deck with the gorgeous sunset, as well as introducing new s’more ingredients everyone enjoyed,” Recreational Services Director Ellen Schiltz said.
Junior Lesa Turquist ran in the Turkey Trot for the first time this year and encourages more students and faculty to come out and participate next year.
“This was my first time participating in the Turkey Trot, and I will definitely look forward to participating in it next year. It brought a lot of people together to participate in physical activity and also to donate to a good cause,” Turquist said.
As for the continuation of the Turkey Trot in the future, Schiltz said they plan to continue because of the great turnout the past two years. For those who enjoyed the Turkey Trot or would like to participate in a 5k fun run/walk, there won’t be a long wait as there are plans for the spring.
“We are currently planning another 5k fun run in the spring with the Office of Civic Engagement and the Office of Multicultural Engagement. I think the students and community are going to like what we have up our sleeve. Start training now!” Schiltz said.
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Photos courtesy of Nancy Marshall
