It’s the tale of two turkey trots this Thanksgiving — one going virtual in Greensburg and the other forging ahead in Latrobe.

The popular Greensburg Turkey Trot that typically attracts thousands of runners is going the way of so many races in the region in the time of covid-19 restrictions against large gatherings — virtual, just like the Pittsburgh Marathon and the Great Race in Pittsburgh.

“It’s disappointing,” said Carol Palcic, director of the race that has been run for 29 years from the Westmoreland County Courthouse in Greensburg to Southwest Greensburg and back.

The Turkey Trot committee decided it could not hold a race with so many runners and walkers — some of whom dress in Thanksgiving-themed garb — and keep them socially distant, Palcic said. The state prohibits gatherings of more than 250 people, and it was not feasible to have a series of staggered starts to limit the groups of runners.

“There was no way to control that many people,” Palcic said.

Instead of a large gathering of runners and walkers in Greensburg eager to exercise before eating Thanksgiving dinner, would-be participants can register for the 3.1-mile event and complete it anytime between Nov. 16 and Thanksgiving morning, Palcic said. Runners and walkers can time themselves, and their finishing times will be posted on the Turkey Trot website, Palcic said.

“We wanted to keep everyone safe while following the guidelines,” said Alison Iezzi, community relations and events director of the Greensburg-based Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Laurel Region, which receives some of the proceeds from the race.

Participants are encouraged to submit photos of themselves participating in the virtual Turkey Trot, Iezzi said. “We’re trying to make this as fun as possible.”

Those registered for the race can pick up their T-shirts at the Big Brothers/Big Sisters office at 106 N. Main St. Dates and times for pickup are listed on the Greensburg Turkey Trot website.

Meanwhile, Latrobe’s 26th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk is scheduled to be run at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 26, starting at Latrobe Memorial Stadium at Legion-Keener Park, said Craig Shevchik, director of the Latrobe-GLSD Parks and Recreation, which sponsors the race.

Shevchik said he believes they can run the Thanksgiving Day race and walk while following state guidelines as best they can. The event typically attracts between 1,000 and 1,200 participants, Shevchik said. A virtual race is being offered, as well, just like last year, he said.

If they must adjust how to proceed, Shevchik said they could stagger the starts in groups of no more than 250. Organizers did not want to cancel the event because it is the biggest fundraiser and accounts for 60% of recreation group’s budget, Shevchik said.

Organizers of the Greensburg Turkey Trot said they could make adjustments, if the governor lifts restrictions on large outdoor gatherings.

“We’re still hopeful that if something changes (restrictions lifted), we would love to have the race in person,” Iezzi said.

“If they lift the guidelines, then we are looking at something entirely different,” Palcic added.

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