Shorecliffs Middle School celebrated its 31st annual Turkey Trot on Thursday, Nov. 20, continuing a tradition that has grown into the campus’ most-attended fundraiser and one of its most anticipated community events.
Hundreds of students ran the familiar 2-mile course throughout the day during their Physical Education (PE) periods, joined by parents, staff and returning families who came to cheer from the sidelines.
The Turkey Trot raises money for the school’s PE Department, helping fund equipment, supplies and intramural sports. Staff said participation has remained strong year after year, with the event continuing to serve as a major source of support for the program.
Principal Josh Wellikson said the long-running tradition remains a highlight for the campus. “This is our 31st year, and it’s one of our great community events that brings us all together,” he said. “All of our parents volunteer, our community comes out and sponsors this thing. It’s a great opportunity to get out.”
Throughout the day, volunteers helped manage the course, handed out raffle tickets and monitored stations while staff encouraged students along the route. Families gathered along the fence line to watch runners pass, some with younger siblings tagging along in strollers or running small stretches of the course.
Current PE teacher Robbin Carter said this year’s event included a memorable moment when a former student returned to participate. “We had an alum come back, Gabe Chanka, and he broke the all-time record with a 9:52,” she said.
The Turkey Trot has become a point of pride at Shorecliffs, with many students looking forward to it months in advance. PE teachers noted that several runners trained specifically for the event during their elective periods or after school. Others joined simply for the tradition, the raffle prizes or to support their friends.
Like previous years, students contributed a small participation donation that went directly toward the PE program. Staff said the funds are essential in maintaining equipment and offering intramural opportunities, which rely heavily on community support.
While the structure of the Turkey Trot has remained consistent, organizers said the event’s longevity is part of what makes it special. Alumni often return to run, volunteer or cheer on younger siblings, and parents who participated in the trot decades ago now watch their own children take part.
By the end of the day, hundreds of runners had crossed the finish line, capping another year of one of Shorecliffs’ longest-standing traditions.