Although the day was cloudy and dark, the Thanksgiving spirit shined brightly as 40 participants braved the weather to take part in Brockport’s annual turkey trot, celebrating 21 years of tradition beside the Erie Canal on Thursday, Nov 28.
Over two decades ago, founder Chrisa Yaeger brought her friends and family together for a pre-Thanksgiving run, under the recommendation of her sister. What started as a walk to “get into shape” has turned into a community event.
“We were young mothers and a little out of shape, and my sister was like ‘You need to get going’,” Yaeger said. “So, she started us on a little walking plan, and we eventually got up to walking more and more, and working out a little bit. We did that for a couple of years, and it grew from there.”
A turkey trot is a Thanksgiving run or walk, supporting local charities and celebrating with festive fun. Yaeger frequently promotes Brockport’s trot on Facebook and other platforms, encouraging locals to participate in the free event.
“It’s grown a lot,” Yaeger said. “It’s free, and people really like that. You don’t have to pay for it, it’s not a race, so it’s just a great way to get people out, moving, feeling happy and grateful.”
The Brockport Turkey Trot is a one-, two- or five-mile walk along the Erie Canal. Participants can individually choose how far they want to walk before turning around.
“The course is going East down the canal,” Yaeger said. “You can turn around anywhere you want and come back. We don’t wait for each other, we just go out and come back.”
First-time participant Nancy Mason was excited to do the trot, despite the weather.
“Everybody I know goes to it,” Mason said. “I’ve always wanted to do it, but I’ve always cooked turkey. But I’m not doing it this year, so I get to do the trot.”
For Mason, this Thanksgiving tradition is about more than just the walk; it’s about community and connection.
“I lost two kids, and one on Thanksgiving,” Mason said. “So I appreciate and love having my family around, especially today. It’s just nice to be able to see everybody and to be able to participate in something like the trot. I’m healthy enough, I can do it.”
Participants Karen Mesiti and Logan Mesiti are two trotters completing different lengths, while being mother and son.
“I do cross county at the high school here, and this is just a fun community event,” Logan Mesiti said. “This year I’m gonna probably jog the whole thing.”
Meanwhile, Karen Mesiti was taking a shorter route.
“I’m planning three miles,” Karen Mesiti said. “Logan will be passing me.”
The Brockport community has consistently supported the Turkey Trot. While some years have seen more than 100 participants, this year 40 people showed up, even with the 36 degree weather.
“I think it’s just a big community-building thing, ” Logan Mesiti said. “It gets people together, even in weather like this. Just wear a hat and make sure you have proper weather attire.”
Despite the challenging conditions, the event continues to bring people together, showcasing the resilience of the community.
Daniel Hawken has been a key part of the Brockport Turkey Trot since its inception 21 years ago, contributing not just as a participant but as an organizer behind the scenes.
“I’ve been a part of it the whole time,” Hawken said. “The day before, I put signs out spaced every half mile. I also collect the food for the Brockport Food Shelf. We always want to give back, and we don’t want people paying money to do a trot.”
Participants of the Brockport Turkey Trot are encouraged to bring donations for either the Brockport Food Shelf or Ms. Grey Strays, two local charities.
“There used to be a program here that would take old sneakers, and that kind of went along with walking and jogging, but that program ended,” Chrisa Yaeger said. “Now, Ms. Grey Strays and the Brockport Food Shelf are our favorite local charities.”
Despite a rainy and chilly start, the spirit of Thanksgiving prevailed as 40 participants walked beside the flowing Erie Canal. With 21 successful years behind them, the Brockport Turkey Trot has become a cherished tradition, with participants and residents consistently giving back to support their community year after year. Set to remain a beloved event, it will continue to bring the local community together for years to come, rain or shine.
