NEOMED Turkey Trot: A successful start to a new campus tradition

The NEOMED Endocrinology Interest Group, in collaboration with the NEOMED Running Club and Sequoia Wellness, launched the holiday season with the inaugural Turkey Trot on Sunday, Nov. 17. 

The event offered participants three choices: a 1-mile walk, a 1-mile run, and a 5 km run, ensuring something for everyone. Runners and walkers followed a thoughtfully planned route, with water stations at the finish line and a Google Maps link for easy navigation. With safety and support as top priorities, the route started and ended near the entrance of the NEW Center, where Maureen Laubacher of Sequoia Wellness and NEOMED Officer Terri Moncoveish played key roles in ensuring a secure and seamless experience.

The Turkey Trot's success was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the event's outstanding organizers and volunteers. Special thanks go to Justin Iwuagwu (M2), Kate Kravets (M2), Umida Burkhanova (M2), Morgan Smith (M2), Saranya Sanaka (M1) and Michael Kay (M2) for their hard work, coordination and enthusiasm in making the event a success. Their commitment to creating a fun and safe environment for participants was evident throughout the morning.

The top three finishers in each race received medals, and the camaraderie and joy of the event truly made it memorable. Families joined in, making it a festive experience for all ages.

Reflecting on the event, Umida Burkhanova, president of the Endocrinology Interest Group, stated, “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated and to those who worked so hard behind the scenes to bring this event to life. Special thanks to Justin, Kate, Morgan, Saranya and Michael for their efforts, and to Maureen Laubacher and Officer Moncoveish for ensuring the safety of all participants. We hope this marks the beginning of a cherished NEOMED tradition that promotes healthy habits and strengthens our community.”

The Turkey Trot wasn’t just about physical activity—it was about building a sense of togetherness. The organizers are already looking forward to next year’s event, hoping to see even more of the NEOMED community join in the fun.

Stay tuned for more events as we continue to champion health and wellness on campus.

- submitted by Umida Burkhanova (M2)