About 60 runners and walkers bundled up against the frost to take part in the annual Turkey Trot at Muskeg Meadows on Thanksgiving morning.

This year’s event raised $480 for the cross-country team and brought in canned food donations for The Salvation Army food drive.

The Turkey Trot has bounced between hosts over the years. It began with the community running group Southeast Beasts, was hosted one year by SEARHC and later by the Parks and Recreation Department. In 2024, the cross-country team hosted it for the first time.

Middle school teacher and cross-country coach Laura Davies said she wasn’t sure if this was the 13th or 14th year of the event, but she said it has only recently taken shape as a fundraiser and community event for the team.

“The community runs are such a fun, valued part of Wrangell. They get people outside, moving and celebrating the spirit that makes our community so special,” Davies said. “My favorite part is the chance to inspire someone to fall in love with running.”

Davies said Southeast Beasts founder Parks and Recreation Director Lucy Robinson first got her into running through community runs and youth running camps years ago.

“Those kids are in high school now, and that experience is what inspired me to start running with students and eventually coach at the middle school level,” Davies said.

“You never know what seed you’ll plant or who will discover a passion for running. Even though it’s a simple community event, it has the power to change lives, encourage a healthier, more positive community.”

Robinson was at the course cheering on participants in the Turkey Trot and supporting the young runners.

Davies said that shows why small community events matter.

“It’s not about the money or the numbers, but the chance to make people smile and change lives,” she said.