Everyone sitting at the dinner table, surrounded by food bigger than their heads. One might have had a helping of everything, and they’re ready for seconds. However, a devilish thought of, “I feel so fat” crosses their mind. They decide to not go for seconds- or even dessert! The rest of the night all they can think about is how they should’ve burned off some pounds before this meal. Then, they remember hearing about the Upper Saddle River Turkey Trot, and immediately know how they’re going to eat whatever they want at all future Thanksgivings.  

For 19 years, Upper Saddle River has held a 5k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. This race is organized by Upper Saddle River Recreation Commission, who allow for the $30 sign-ups to take place. This can be found the night before the race from 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm, at the Cavallini School gymnasium, in Upper Saddle River. Thirty-five dollar check-ins and registrations also takes place the morning of the race 7:30 am- 8:45 am. The race itself has begun at 9:00 am, regardless of weather for all these years.  

The trot can be completed individually or with family; one can walk or run it, but no matter what runners are helping the community. According to the official website, “Proceeds from the event continue to benefit the local community, including D.A.R.E., Ambulance Corps and Fire Department, USR Education Foundation, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, USR Youth Triathlon, Shelter Our Sisters, Oasis, Children’s Therapy Center, The Rose Foundation of Haiti, and the ‘Extra Mile’ Scholarship Fund.” Not only has this race given money to the community, but it is an incredible way to spread Thanksgiving Day joy.

Freshmen, Maeve Rossig, expresses her excitement to run in this year’s Turkey Trot. She said,“I’m excited to participate in the Turkey Trot this year because I get to run with my family.”

The rewards don’t stop once the race is over, or even into Thanksgiving night. Ultimately, runners will be pleased that they simply participated.

“The race makes me feel like I can eat whatever I want that night because I just ran that morning,” tells freshman, Ryan Glazer, a three-time Turkey Trot runner.

So, now all runners can go to grab another helping of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, and you won’t question yourself, but you will pat yourself on the back!