Runners gathered for the annual run hosted by A Change of Pace
By GIA LOOMIS — city@theaggie.org
On Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, runners gathered from near and far to compete in Davis’ annual Turkey Trot run. Hosted by A Change of Pace, the Turkey Trot began in 1987 and was the first event put on by the company. The first year of the run was so successful that Runner’s World magazine named it “the first annual event” in the country.
Since its start, the Turkey Trot has done nothing but grow. Today, thousands of runners show up the weekend before Thanksgiving to participate in the race and support a great cause. This year, the Trot benefited Yolo County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Cancer Champions.
From family to friends to strangers, the Turkey Trot is an exciting event filled with Thanksgiving spirit. In 2024, the run looked a little different as clouds took over the morning of the Trot. Nonetheless, Ellie Neuman, who ran the Trot for the first time this year with her team — RunIt Davis — explained the great energy of the Trot, even in not-so-great conditions.
“I love the energy of the Turkey Trot, it’s fun to see everyone get up early, push themselves and cheer each other on together,” Neuman said. “It was especially cool to see everyone run despite the pouring rain outside. And I loved the occasional turkey hat or costume.”
The Trot is a great opportunity for all levels of runners to get some steps in as the run hosts a large variety of events including a half marathon, 5k, 10k, one-mile and two-mile run. These events produce many top placers as results are sorted by event, age group and various secondary categories. Securing a top place in this run requires both mental and physical training. Cristian Embleton, who placed first in the Trot’s half marathon run, explained how big a role running plays in his life.
“I’ve been running seriously for about six years now,” Embleton said. “Running, in general, started as a fun way of getting in shape and socializing with friends. But eventually, it grew into an integral part of my life as I invested more time into it. Nowadays, I consider running not only a sport for me but a lifestyle.”
Winning a race like the Turkey Trot can be a pivotal moment in a runner’s journey. Such an accomplishment can push a runner to the next level. For Embleton, taking first place is just the motivation he needed to continue training for his fourth marathon.
“Placing so high felt amazing, not only was it a personal record, but it was the first time I finished first in a race,” Embleton said. “In my mind, this event was a crucial psychological milestone for me in my attempt to compete in the Boston Marathon. There’s still a lot to do on that journey, but it’s good to know that I’m making progress.”
While the run is a good opportunity for competitive runners, it is also a great experience for more casual runners. A good way to connect and bond with friends and family, the Trot has something for everyone.
Vanessa Su, a third-year biotechnology major, participated for the first time in the 5k as a way of bonding with some of her peers.
“I had such a great time doing the Turkey Trot,” Su said. “I decided to join because my lab, the LaSalle Lab, forms a team every year to have a friendly competition with a couple of other labs at UC Davis.”
Events like the Turkey Trot are not only great for community engagement and bonding but can push people to get out of their comfort zones. For Su, this was her first time running any sort of race or marathon since high school — still, she placed second in her age category and maintained a competitive pace despite being years out of practice. However, she said she owes some of the credit to her team and friends for their support.
“It was incredibly rewarding to place,” Su said. “I credit my time entirely to our lab scientist, Dag Yasui, and our [Principle Investigator] PI, Janine LaSalle. Their steady and strong pacing motivated me to push myself to keep up, which led to my unexpected pacing.”
The Turkey Trot is a great opportunity for all levels of athletes. From pushing competitive runners to getting casual runners out of their comfort zone to people just looking to get outside, the Trot caters to every level of athlete.
Next Thanksgiving, think about pushing yourself and getting out to the Turkey Trot to support a great cause, get some exercise and maybe even see some turkey costumes!
Written By: Gia Loomis — city@theaggie.org
