Turkey Trot at Bethany Beach to benefit volunteer fire company

Bethany, Del. – The chilly ocean breeze did little to dampen the spirits of volunteers and racers alike at Thursday’s Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot at Bethany Beach. Bundled up in scarves and hats, volunteers said they were excited to support their runners and the turkey trot’s cause.

The two-mile Thanksgiving walk and run presented by Bank of Ocean City and produced by Focus Multisports benefited the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company. The Turkey Trot was held at 9 a.m. at Bethany Beach and featured a pie prize to the overall male and female winners and costume contest winners. The Turkey Trot attendees could play games and listen to music provided by DJs and participate in costume contests for themselves and their pets. Participants of the trot were encouraged to walk or run, starting and ending on the Bethany Beach Boardwalk Bandstand, Garfield Parkway and the Boardwalk.

Over 2,000 participants were expected with over 1,500 participants registered by Thursday morning with same-day registration available at 7:30 a.m.

“I’m just thankful that the kids show up and give up their Thanksgiving morning to come do this,” Lauren Norwood of Dagsboro, DE and the adviser of the Selbyville Middle School National Junior Honors Society. Norwood said that an event like the Bethany Turkey Trot was a “win-win for everybody” because it enabled local organizations to support one another.

Jenna Caraway, said after moving to Delaware from Texas, she wanted to find a turkey trot near her and was excited to find the one in Bethany. Her friend, Renate Sheinbaum of Dover, said that what made the turkey trot special for her was getting to have fun running with a friend. Sheinbaum and Caraway both wore turkey costumes made out of balloons made by Sheinbaum.

“Just seems fun!” Jones said.

“And it’s a time to be thankful,” Caraway added.

Some students of local schools were also in attendance and said they were happy to cheer on their friends and loved ones walking and running and support a good cause.

Reagan Jones, a Selbyville Middle School Honors Society student, said that the event helped “bring joy to people,” but was very excited for her Thanksgiving meal with her family after the trot.

“To eat all of my family food and just, like, be with my family, it’s definitely exciting,” she said.