The City of Turlock’s 39th annual Turkey Trot brought in more than a hundred runners ready to get their daily fitness in just before the Thanksgiving holiday.

The day began bright and early at 10 a.m.  Saturday when the children’s 1-mile race, otherwise known as the children’s stampede, took to the starting line. Running one lap around Turlock’s Donnelly Park, smiles and laughter filled the area as kids exercised while having fun.

Following the children’s race, parents and adults finished their stretching and got ready for their own 2-mile race around Donnelly Park. For both the children’s and adult races, winners were awarded turkeys, as per tradition, just in time for their Thanksgiving meals.

It wasn’t just groups of friends and families participating in the annual fun-run, though. Turlock city employees ranging from the Parks and Recreation Department to Turlock police officers joined in for the event, following a challenge issued by the City.

“This year the City raffled off prizes for all employees who participated,” said Turlock Police Officer Mayra Lewis, who participated in the race alongside her family. “The department that had the most participants will also receive an award.”

City Manager Roy Wasden and Fire Chief Tim Lohman joined in for the fitness challenge.

Now in its 39th year, the Turkey Trot has been one of Turlock’s longest running annual traditions, with an increasing amount of participants each year as it continues to grow in popularity. Each participant was given a 39th Annual Turkey Trot t-shirt and official numbers for the race.