2013 GRPS Turkey Trot

More as a representative of Grand Rapids Public Schools than that of Team N3kk1d, team captain Sloth again biked in for some Thanksgiving Day snow-crunching action at the 21st annual GRPS Turkey Trot. In 2012 the event moved downtown, resulting in a record turnout; this trend continued in 2013 with almost two times as many online pre-registrations than the year before. While the snow and 25-degree temperatures didn’t do much for the event’s cheering squads, it was fantastic to see so many lined up to run on a national holiday… and especially with the GRPS Athletic program reaping the rewards!

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Compared to the 40-degree, snowless 2012 event, this year’s Trot seemed a bit on the brisk side. Jay looks a little underdressed…
Runners invade the Van Andel Arena to grab their bibs and tags
Sloth was thrilled to see Erica Dams, a former instructor at Mulick Park Elementary
Ms. London Tyler (Parent Action Leader at Mulick Park) was also on-hand to volunteer. Love those orange tech shirts!
Most runners stayed inside the arena to keep warm prior to the race
Ten minute warning… time to head outside!
Look at that turnout! Awesome!
Runners, start your engines!
And they’re off through the streets of downtown Grand Rapids!
Never mind the red lights… it’s a closed course!
Heading back into downtown… almost there!
The grand finish inside of the Van Andel Arena was definitely on a larger scale than in 2012
Finishers nip outside for bananas, snacks, and water
The wee ones get ready for the “Mini-Trot” 1K
Running with a Bengal tiger? Is this a good idea?
VIDEO: As usual, Sloth filled the dual role of documentarian and participant…