Goshen’s Turkey Trot…Thanksgiving Day Event Continues

In the Fall of 1978 a few locals organized the very first Goshen Turkey Trot. Historical records are spotty, but it seems that Joan Lang, Bill Bickel, John Clarke, and Cliff Cooper were among the main drivers of that inaugural event. There were 101 participants, 80 percent of them men, and a gentleman from Litchfield (who will remain anonymous!) was credited with devouring the most donuts. The exact donut count was not documented, so the course record for donuts remains a mystery.  That’s the original spirit that organizers have tried to preserve and honor over the years. A  bit of grit, camaraderie, exercise, donuts, and all with a sense of humor.

In recent years the event has generally drawn a field of 400 to 600 participants with a balanced gender split. A reliable crew of volunteers step up every year, rolling up their sleeves to do all of the little things that make it possible. Now in its 47th year, registration is open and sign-ups are off to a strong start. Runners and walkers can register online at goshenrunningclub.com. The first 400 are guaranteed a high quality, long sleeve athletic shirt.

Organizers have used this Thanksgiving event to get friends and family together for a good time - rain, snow, or shine - and to support local charities. Over the past several years the organization has collectively given over $20,000 to support causes, including the Agricultural Society, Volunteer Fire Department, Good Neighbors, Community Care & Hospice, Land Trust and many more.

In 1978 “the trot” was one of the only events of its kind. Now there are many Thanksgiving Day trots, but the Goshen race remains something special. Walkers are welcome. Dogs are welcome (well behaved and leashed and the owners take responsibility!). The course is rural but smooth enough for jogging strollers.

Awards include locally made apple pies, Nodine’s turkeys, and chocolate turkeys from Milkhouse Chocolates. The fastest overall male and female runners receive the Laschever Memorial Cup, which honors Adam Laschever, the late Goshen resident and distance runner who served in the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

The fairgrounds race morning is characterized by folks huddling up around a roaring bonfire, sipping hot apple cider, and biting into one of those delicious, well-deserved donuts, which have been procured from the same local shop for decades. There are always a number of runners who have some fun dressing up in costume.

If you haven’t already registered, organizers encourage you to do so early to get the best pricing and guarantee yourself a shirt. You can get your Thanksgiving tradition off to a great start, and start brainstorming costume ideas!