The Rec/IM and Office of Nutrition Services hosted the annual Turkey Trot Friday afternoon in the University Park.
Kyle McAlear, assistant director of club and intramural sports said the goal is to put on a 5K race for the students, staff and faculty. He said this was the first year the Rec/IM partnered with ONS to help increase awareness of options offered on campus such as nutrition services, the rec center and intramurals.
“We want to increase some of the student participation,” said McAlear.
McAlear said the Rec/IM and ONS partnered with local businesses to help out with the Turkey Trot and to also bring awareness to the businesses. Snacks and refreshments were provided by Biggby Coffee, Trader Joe’s and Busch’s Market.
Alison Jay, a registered dietitian and supervisor from the Office of Nutrition Services said the Rec/IM and NOS have been trying to join forces more often since nutrition and fitness go hand-in-hand and the Turkey Trot was a perfect event to do just that.
“It [the Turkey Trot] is an opportunity to get out, a fun little fitness thing, you’re not paying for it,” said Jay. “It’s a walk or run. It’s not a huge, huge deal. It’s a trot, not a sprint.”
Jay said the partnership ONS has with the Rec/IM is growing and really important. She said that it was a no brainer that ONS would come out and support the event.
“[A] 5K is a nice easy way to get back into that [fitness],” said EMU graduate assistant Lindsay Grace. “It’s fun, it’s low-key, it’s free, it’s great. No pressure.”
EMU junior Candace Kirby said she was participating in the Turkey Trot to try and get back into fitness.
“I’ve been getting more into running, I use to run a lot more,” said Kirby. “I’ve never done a 5K so I thought it would be a good idea.”
