The annual Port Washington Thanksgiving Race, also known as the Turkey Trot, has unfortunately been moved online due to current COVID-19 circumstances. Though this decision was prudent, it is saddening that this race is not occuring as it usually would. In a normal year, the whole town comes out and runs the race for a great cause. Everybody has fun, no matter how skilled of a runner you are. However, the growing infection rate of COVID-19 in Port Washington and the surrounding towns has forced the race committee to make the Turkey Trot fully “virtual”.

The race has been moved online so that COVID-19 is not spread as the virus can be easily transmitted in large congregations. Normally, people wake up bright and early in order to prepare for the Turkey Trot. Race day tends to be very cold, so hats and sweaters are usually quite common. In some years, however, milder temperatures permit people to sit alongside the race course and cheer on passing runners. Some people hold up signs for their friends, others ring bells, and everyone is happy. Main roads are closed off to make the race possible. According to the Port Washington News website, police and fire departments work with various other groups to allow for the race to happen. Additionally, members of the Key Club, boy scouts, and independent volunteers assist during the race to ensure that everything runs smoothly (no pun intended).

Many people were disappointed by the Turkey Trot’s being moved online. In the words of Jack McNaughton, “The turkey trot is always a very important event that brings everyone together. People are always doing it with their family and friends and it is sad to see that it’s going to be virtual this year but it’s understandable due to the terrible circumstances that we’ve found ourselves in.” Clearly, the race has a profound impact on the life of Jack and many other people. Some people simply like spending the time with their family. Antonio Sottile says, “I enjoy running the race with my dad.” It isn’t just a competition, but also an opportunity for people to enjoy themselves with friends and family.

All of the money made from the Turkey Trot goes towards a local charity called the Community Chest of Port Washington. The main goal of this organization is to improve the lives of as many people as possible by giving grants to causes that will benefit local community members and by donating money to nonprofit organizations. On top of that, people who run the race this year are asked to donate whatever they can to help with COVID-19 relief. According to Kevin Reyes-Palma, “The race is great because it’s for a good cause.” Not only is the race important for entertainment reasons, but it also plays a substantial role in helping people around the community.

Sadly, none of this can happen this year. According to the website RunSignUp, 2020 Turkey Trot participants are supposed to run five miles on their own on any day between November 19th and November 29th, and then upload their time onto the website. This is very different from the normal race because the aspect of the town coming together is what truly makes the Turkey Trot special. The atmosphere created by the people at the race and on the course is incredible, a completely unique feeling. Without that, the Turkey Trot becomes less important in some people’s eyes. People will still win and people will still lose, but because the race is “virtual” this year, everything loses some significance.

Hopefully, a COVID-19 vaccine will be readily available by November 2021 so that the Turkey Trot will be able to happen next year. Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines have showed promise, so a normal race might very well be possible. The race holds a special place in the hearts of Port Washington residents, and it is devastating that it will not be able to happen normally this year.