Lehigh University Turkey Trot
“The turkey squawked, the people gawked, and William Mountain got the bird as he won the Turkey Trot…”
Thus was the headline in the Brown and White after the first Turkey Trot was held on Wednesday, November 14, 1956. Drinker 4 was the triumphant hall. The Turkey Trot has remained a Lehigh University tradition ever since. It is a grueling 2.6 mile race with an ever shifting course. As it is Lehigh’s campus, there is always a vertical run up “the hill” that leaves participants feeling the effects days after. It was originally exclusively for residential halls and living fraternities. Now, the Turkey Trot is open to all students. The Turkey Trot celebrates two holidays: Thanksgiving and the Lehigh-Lafayette rivalry.
Recent years have amassed as many as 800 participants in the race. Racers join in teams. Runners are known to show up in outlandish outfits for the race. One can see neon blobs and even the occasional Santa running the cross-country style race. The Turkey Trot is entering its 58th year at Lehigh University. It is one of the longest traditions Lehigh has and many are dedicated keeping it alive.
