The roar of the crowd filled Griswold and Ford St on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 27, creating an atmosphere unlike any other. In years past, teachers from Utica High School have participated in the annual Turkey Trot. This year, teacher Collin Syler ran the Stuffing Strut 5k in Detroit. Other races included the Strategic Staffing Solutions 10k and the Mashed Potato Mile (The Parade Company).
In Detroit, was where America’s Thanksgiving Parade was founded in 1924, and the associated races began in 1979. The parade was most recently voted the number one parade in the country in 2024. Both the parade and races raise money for the Parade Company, a nonprofit supported by hundreds of volunteers.
Syler has running experience, but this was his first time ventured to Detroit, as his family uncle encouraged him to try the 5k on Thanksgiving Day.
“I decided to run the Turkey Trot this year because my uncle asked me to run it with him and I was thrilled to do it,” Syler said. “I usually run three-four times a week, so I wasn’t worried about it.”
The exhilarating atmosphere and big crowds made for an exciting 5k race. The mile, 5k, and 10k drew over 17,000 people to Detroit on Nov. 27.
“I have never ran the Turkey Trot before, so I was excited for the crowd and the environment,” Syler said. “I was happy to race and get down Woodward Street.”
Race-day conditions were challenging: 30-degree temperatures and 13 miles per hour winds. Syler is familiar with bad weather conditions. While running for fun outside in previous winter seasons, he experienced frigid weather conditions.
“I have run outside in the cold before, so I wasn’t too worried about the temperature during the race,” Syler said. “I wore a Star Wars Christmas hat, which helped me keep warm.”
Syler closed the race out with a time of 24:13, averaging a 7:47 pace. Despite being chilly, the temperature didn’t impact his pace.
“The race was windy, but the buildings helped block some of it,” Syler said. “It was a great experience, and I’d definitely run it again.”
Despite the frigid temperatures and the wind, Syler made the most of race day. Finding joy and accomplishment in completing the 5k.
