Turkey Trot Brings Hazard Residents Together Before Thanksgiving

On Thursday morning, Main Street in downtown Hazard filled with participants for the 5K Turkey Trot Race, an event hosted by the Perry County Department of Outdoor Recreation. Walkers began at 9 a.m. and runners followed at 9 15 a.m., as people of varying ages took part in the route through the city center.

The event represented both a longstanding holiday tradition and an introduction to the race for some residents. Donna Williams, a 71 year old participant, described the day as her first organized 5K and said her doctor had encouraged her to try such an activity. Her participation underscored the broad appeal of the event for people seeking a healthy start to the holiday. Williams also noted she had dinner preparations ready at home after the race, reflecting how participants combined physical activity with family routines on Thanksgiving.

Many attendees planned to move from the trot directly into holiday celebrations, while others treated the event as a chance to spend time with neighbors and family outdoors. Pam Banks brought her dog, Daisy May, after visiting her children earlier in the day, demonstrating how the trot accommodates pets and family centered participation. The presence of both experienced runners and newcomers highlighted the inclusive nature of the program and its role in local civic life.

For Perry County, the Turkey Trot functions as more than a race. It serves as a visible expression of community engagement, encouraging residents to gather, support recreational programming, and maintain active lifestyles. By drawing a cross section of the county to downtown Hazard on a major holiday, the event also supports local businesses and reinforces Main Street as a focal point for public events. Organizers and participants alike framed the trot as a practical and social start to Thanksgiving, blending exercise with community and family traditions.