The Turkey Trot was a 5k and 10k race that the Hays Recreation Commission, Hays High DECA and Hays High cross country team hosted on Saturday, Nov. 9 to kick off the holiday season.

There were different age divisions, and the placings were separated into the top three male and female finishers.

The top female and male finishers won a turkey that they can eat for Thanksgiving and a plaque. The top finishers in each age division received a medal.

DECA students helped with the event by handing out water, collecting chips after runners crossed the finish line, encouraging participants and ensuring runners stayed on the course.

A few members of the cross country team ran in the race and placed highest in their age divisions. Senior Matthew Goodale, junior Fernando Zarate, sophomore Matthew Dempsey and freshman Amelia Jaeger all ran the 5k with their coach, Haley Wolf.

22bschwien@usd489.com