Local “turkeys” trot for family, fun, and a chance at pie

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Locals braving the cold Thursday morning to get those steps in before a big Thanksgiving dinner.

The 42nd annual Turkey Trot took off from Old Storybook Island with a 5K run or two-mile walk to choose from.

Hosted by the Black Hills Runners Club, the traditional race brings families and friends together for some early morning exercise.

The Trot is the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, with more than 11-hundred participants in 2021.

“We use the funds for scholarships for runners that are going to college, local kids’ running programs in the area…all over the Black Hills…and give back – trail maintenance, local community, all sorts of running stuff,” says Bethany Andreas, race director for the Black Hills Runners Club.

Some ran for exercise, others as a family activity – but one group joined for a very special reason.

Team RWB, a veterans service organization, works to bring veterans together with the community through a wide range of activities. Members of the group carried flags and sported Team RWB gear to raise awareness for the mission.

“We’re doing the Turkey Trot as part of our program to get veterans and community members engaged and together in physical and social activity,” says Joseph Stanfill, co-captain of Team RWB.

Runners and walkers alike were met by volunteers handing out vouchers for free caramel rolls, while 400 of those registered also won pies.

CLICK HERE for more information on Team RWB, or find them on Facebook at Team RWB Rapid City.