Turkey Trot back in stride

Nearly 4,000 runners and walkers burst forth from the starting line at the beginning of last Thursday’s Turkey Trot. The event, which was held virtually during the pandemic before returning to an in-person format last year, enjoyed a major bounceback in participation. *Photo by Dave Ongie*

After being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, a feeling of normalcy returned to Johnson City’s 17th annual Turkey Trot this year.

Nearly 4,000 runners and walkers crowded the corner of Legion Street and State of Franklin Road last Thursday morning to complete an early-morning 5K before settling in for their respective Thanksgiving feasts. The number is still shy of the record crowds that participated before the pandemic, but turnout this year is evidence that the event is back on track.

Participants ran out to the South Side neighborhood before looping back and finishing the event inside TVA Credit Union Ballpark.