The Brown & White

On Thursday's rainy afternoon, Lehigh students, faculty and administration showed enthusiasm for the 55th Annual Turkey Trot. The Turkey Trot has become one of Spirit Week's highlights for both participants and spectators.

Beginning at Packer Memorial Church, participants walk, jog and sprint roughly 2.5 miles throughout campus, finishing at the U.C. lawn. The Turkey Trot is a tradition that happens before Thanksgiving and precedes the Lehigh-Lafayette football game.

Race participants have different strategies and goals in taking part of the Turkey Trot.

Senior Mike Sanford '10 said, "I'm going to take it really easy and have fun with it," said Sanford before the race. "I'm also racing with my dog, Otto, so I'm probably going to come somewhere in the middle of the pack."

"I'm just excited to start going on incline to get the uphill part out the way," said graduate student John Rodgers.

Lehigh alumnus and Lehigh Nanotechnology Industrial Liaison Officer Gene Lucadamo has been a race participant four times.

"It's always a lot of fun, and it's great to see everybody having a good time," Lucadamo said. "I'm a regular runner, and it's a part of my workout. Just the fact the Turkey Trot is a tradition and I remember running in it as an undergrad at Lehigh makes me come back."

Eurie Choi, '10, a member of the Lehigh's Intramural organization, which oversees the Turkey Trot, was excited for the event.

"I'm very excited to work for intramurals," Choi said. "It's fun to see everyone come out and see things from the other side. I predict the athletes will probably win."

Participants showed up to the Turkey Trot in original outfits and costumes. Some of the best costumes were a Native American chief, a shirtless runner wearing only a vest and sunglasses, the Easter bunny, and a king's crown and robe.

"My favorite part is the outfits," Rodgers said. "I'm a little disappointed, because last year I remember a guy racing with a boom box strapped to his back. He raced pretty well, but his music kept skipping."

Several participants arrived after the race began, but they hopped right onto the course route and followed the other racers leading the pack.

The Turkey Trot had a large amount of supporters, including faculty, students and alumni, who wanted to watch the race and participate in school spirit. One supporter, Paul Mouhtis, '10, explained why he came out to the race.

"It's my senior year, and I have never been to a Turkey Trot before," Mouhtis said. "I figure that coming out and showing some school spirit would be a fun time."

The event, which easily could have turned sour with the looming clouds and rainfall, turned out to feature genuine enthusiasm, spirit and entertainment.

Full results of the Turkey Trot can be found in the Intramural Sports section of lehighsports.com.