Large Turnout for Moorestown Cross-Country’s Annual Turkey Trot

A little bit of mud couldn't keep the runners away from on Thanksgiving morning as the boys' and girls' cross-country teams hosted their annual Turkey Trot. As of Thursday morning, there were already 500 people registered for the event, which helps raise money for the school's cross-country program.

“This is the seventh year that we have been organizing it for the cross-country teams. It was a low-key alumni race that people would just get together, like 20 or 30 people would race,” boys’ assistant coach Bob Bickel said. “Last year we had over 800 people here, so we will probably be well over that this year.”

The event is heavily attended by Moorestown cross-country alumni, who return to socialize with their former teammates, while also helping the current team raise funds.

“Not only the entire cross-country team at the high school, but the entire Moorestown community gets involved. It’s the perfect wrap-up for the season,” boys’ head coach Lorenzo Eagles said.

Cross-country is one of the few sports where coaches can work with athletes for all four years at the varsity level, which makes the Turkey Trot even more special for the alumni who return.

“We get the fortunate ability to coach kids for four years," Eagles said. "When you let them go after their senior year, it’s tough, but you get to see them the next Thanksgiving. The way the community connects with this event, it makes the town a better place."

All of the cross-country members were in attendance Thursday morning, along with the coaches from both programs.

“This is a great way to socialize with friends and also raise money for the program," said boys' cross-country runner Jack Inglis. "We don’t do too much advertising; a lot of it is word of mouth."