Alcott Elementary School fifth graders enjoy their final Turkey Trot in 2024. (Photo Courtesy Concord Public Schools)
CONCORD — For nearly 30 years, students at Alcott Elementary School have laced up their sneakers each fall to run, walk or roll around Emerson Field — not for prizes, but to help their neighbors.
The Turkey Trot began in 1996 when physical education teacher Tim Gaudreau organized the first event for fourth-grade students to raise money for Open Table in Concord.
On its 10th anniversary, the event expanded in 2005 to include all grade levels and has since become a schoolwide tradition focused on fitness and community giving.
This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 29, with a rain date of the following Wednesday.
The Turkey Trot follows a jog-a-thon format. Students collect pledges from family and friends based on the number of laps they complete. On the day of the event, students walk with their classmates to Emerson Field, where they run for 15 minutes and aim to finish as many laps around the track as possible.
Parent volunteers help count laps by handing students a craft stick each time they pass the starting line.
After the event, students total their laps, report their results to their teachers and collect pledges to support the year’s selected charities.
Over the past 30 years, the Turkey Trot has raised funds for Open Table, Make-A-Wish, the American Red Cross, The Children’s Room, Heifer International, and the Greater Boston Food Bank, among others. Open Table has remained a consistent beneficiary.
Donations are typically presented to the recipient organizations at the school’s December all-school meeting.
The Turkey Trot has raised over $155,000 since its inception, with 100% of funds going directly to charities.
The event has become one of Alcott’s most anticipated events, with participation from all students and strong volunteer support from families.
Fifth graders run alongside their kindergarten buddies, encouraging them on the track and celebrating their efforts. Students are welcome to walk, run or roll, ensuring that everyone can take part.
“The Turkey Trot is a day where our students come together to support one another and make a real difference beyond our school,” said Principal Naomi Krakow. “We are ever grateful for Tim Gaudreau’s vision for this event and how it has evolved over the years to become a lasting school tradition, while also lending a helping hand.”
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Alcott Elementary School fifth graders take a group shot at their final Turkey Trot in 2024. (Photo Courtesy Concord Public Schools)
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