The second annual Turkey Trot was held Friday afternoon on the field behind Bristow Middle School in West Hartford.

By Ronni Newton

The freezing cold weather and brisk wind did nothing to deter the enthusiasm of more than 140 “turkey trotters” who took to the field behind West Hartford’s Bristow Middle School on Friday afternoon to participate in a fundraiser that directly benefits the school’s own families.

“We started it last year as a PE team as a way to promote physical activity to our students and families in combination with a way to give back to our community,” said Bristow Middle School Physical Education and Health teacher Jared Leghorn, who organized the 1-mile fun run. “West Hartford is a very diverse population and we thought it was a great way to give back to our own community. We are a smaller and tight knit school, so it really gives us a cool chance as a school to help one another out.”

Leghorn initially said he expected maybe 80 or 90 participants this year, but despite the weather more than 140 – some dressed in turkey hats – came out to do the fun run.

The cost was $15 per participant, and all received a specially-designed Turkey Trot shirt.

The event raised more than $1,800 – a large increase over the $1,350 raised last year – all of which will be used to purchase grocery gift cards for Bristow families. The gift cards will provide welcome extra support for Thanksgiving holiday celebrations, or other food needs.

The Bristow PTO also played a key role in making this year’s Turkey Trot so successful, Leghorn said.

“We worked with the PTO and after the run we all got together in the cafeteria for snacks, treats, music, and a raffle for extra gym time in school,” said Leghorn. The PTO also held a food drive, and in addition to the money for the gift cards, several large boxes full of food were collected.

“It was an awesome day,” Leghorn said.

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Second annual Bristow Turkey Trot. Photo credit: Jodie Smith (courtesy photo)

Second annual Bristow Turkey Trot. Photo credit: Jodie Smith (courtesy photo)

Second annual Bristow Turkey Trot. Photo credit: Jodie Smith (courtesy photo)

Second annual Bristow Turkey Trot. Photo credit: Jodie Smith (courtesy photo)

Second annual Bristow Turkey Trot. Photo credit: Jodie Smith (courtesy photo)

Second annual Bristow Turkey Trot. Photo credit: Jodie Smith (courtesy photo)