More than 1,300 participants gathered at Tuolumne River Regional Park in Modesto on Thanksgiving morning for the annual Turkey Trot. The event is held to support the track and cross country teams at Modesto Junior College (MJC), providing funds for travel expenses, uniforms, and equipment such as javelins and shot puts.
The Turkey Trot began with half-mile races for children, followed by a 3.1-mile main race. Andrew Vazquez and Michael Mrgudic finished the main event together, both clocking in at 14 minutes and 45 seconds. Full race results were scheduled to be posted later in the day at www.paceyourselftiming.com.
Among the youngest participants was one-year-old Jacob Alania, who recently learned to walk. He completed his race with assistance from his father Anthony Alania and aunt Carmen Alania.
Temperatures were recorded at 48 degrees at the start of the event. Attendees wore a range of outfits, from running shorts and t-shirts to turkey costumes.
The course took runners through scenic areas of Tuolumne River Regional Park near Modesto’s airport district. Children ran out to a playground before returning, while older participants traversed deeper into areas lined with native oaks and picnic spots.
Many MJC men’s and women’s team members volunteered during the event. Organizers noted that this could be the largest annual gathering in the park, which spans seven miles along the river from Mitchell to Carpenter roads. A master plan update for the park is currently being developed.
