It has, over the years, become a Thanksgiving tradition.

A healthy outing to balance the turkey dinner had by most.

Not even a blanket of snow that fell throughout the event could stop a couple dozen hardy souls from taking part in the 2023 Plains Turkey Trot, organized by Plains school teacher Gena Ferlan with help from her friend and Zumba instructor, Becky Fields.

The 1.3 mile fun run, which began at 10 a..m. in the snow-covered Plains High Parking lot, attracted 24 people, half of which were kids, and one enthusiastic dog.

“I’ve been doing this run off and on for years,” Ferlan said. “I enjoy getting my three kids out along with all the others who have joined us”.

This year’s winner was Ashley Ferlan, who is a member of the Plains High cross country team which finished sixth in the state among Class B teams. She edged out second place finisher Kalen Chenowith over the 1.3 mile course that included a loop through the Plains Cemetery road and a lap around the PHS running track.

The race began in the back parking lot of the high school, proceeded up Clayton Street to the cemetery and then back to the school.

Runners had the option of completing as many laps as they wanted around the school’s running track, although one lap was all that was officially required.

Snow fell throughout the event.

“People who wanted to put in a few more miles could do as many laps as they could,” Ferlan said.

Ferlan, who credited Fields with helping get the word out this year, said the event is purely for fun, no fees or funds are raised during the race. Fields is in the process of opening a local gym, Warrior Fitness Gym, across from Town Hall, in the coming weeks.

“I’ll do it again next year unless someone else wants to take it on,” she said. “Over the years we have had anywhere from five to 25 runners. I don’t do this as a fundraiser, it’s just motivation to stay healthy”.

    A pair of young runners set the pace during the snow-covered 2023 Turkey Trot fun run Thursday at Plains High School. PHS student Ahsley Ferlan won the event over the 1.3 mile course, with Kalen Chenowith placing second. (Gena Ferlan photo)