2014 3rd Annual Gardendale Turkey Trot

The 2014 3rd Annual Gardendale Turkey Trot raised money for Firehouse Shelter and was supported by a number of local businesses and organizations, including: Run Gardendale, Buffalo Wild Wings in Gardendale, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Mordecai Sports, and Alabama Power. 

Participation in the event has grown significantly each year, starting with about thirty folks in its inaugural running in 2012, and growing to more than 90 runners in 2013 (gallery). This third edition of the Gardendale Turkey Trot saw more than 115 registered runners, with dozens of others who showed up on race day.

This was my first occasion not to run in the event, which was disappointing but allowed me to thoroughly photograph the run and most of its participants.

The photographs can also be seen at the gallery: 2014 3rd Annual Gardendale Turkey Trot

2013 2nd Annual Gardendale Turkey Trot

Whereas last year's Inaugural Gardendale Turkey Trot was a smallish cluster of runners gathered on a pleasant Thanksgiving morning, this year's congregation made it a much bigger affair.

Runners receiving instruction at the 2nd Annual Gardendale Turkey Trot, Alabama

More than 90 runners and walkers (and one David Crockett on a bicycle leading the way) gathered on a clear but frigid late autumn morning, not only to run so as to justify the gluttony that would occur later in the day, but also to donate coats and clothing for the Firehouse Shelter. In addition to the runners themselves, the Turkey Trot was sponsored by a number of local businesses (seen on Run Gardendale's Turkey Trot event page), including Buffalo Wild Wings, where the event commenced and concluded.

With options to run 3, 4, or 5 miles, runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels congregated to participate in a very successful 2nd Annual Gardendale Turkey Trot.

The photos found in the above slideshow can be found at the 

2013 2nd Annual Gardendale Turkey Trot Gallery.