By Chad Neal
One of Ellicottville’s work out gurus is putting together his third annual Turkey Trot here in Ellicottville on Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 28th at 8am. Brad Poole, owner of Warrior Fitness and Wellness is sponsoring the yearly social jog through town and he is excited. 
The 5K marked course goes around the village and after the short trot on that holiday morning there will be snacks and drinks for the participants. Medals will be given out after as well. Poole told The Villager, “It’s just a fun run/walk to get the community together to celebrate.” With the addition of it also benefitting the new all-inclusive playground. “The Ellicottville Playground” Poole said, “is a non-profit organization that is raising funds for a new, inclusive playground in the village. It is spearheaded by a group of younger mothers in our village who are looking to bring a positive change for the community.”
Registration can be the day of or pre-register on Warrior Fitness Facebook page. It’s $20 per person and kids 12 & under are free. The race starts at 8am so be there at 7:30am to register the day of. Since it’s a fun run, Poole said that strollers and leashed pets are welcome as well and turkey costumes are encouraged. They also encourage participants to bring a non-perishable food item to help the local food pantry.
The Villager asked Poole about his Turkey Trot and learned he started it in 2022 and had 50 runners/walkers the first go round. Last year there more than triple with the group expanding to 160 runners/walkers. Asked about prizes for winners, Poole explained it was a fun run and every finisher will get a medal for a keepsake. I’m betting most of the first fifty runners will be collecting their third one this year. Poole described the course as “fairly flat, besides the slight quarter mile incline heading towards the fire hall and past the soccer fields. The course will be marked and easy to follow. We will start and finish at Warrior Fitness (5A Park Ave in Ellicottville).
The Turkey Trot is an event for all ages. “Bring your kids, strollers and pets” Poole explained, “We want to bring the community together and give thanks for the support over the past 4 years of being in business. It is the season for giving and what better way to give than host a 5K event to bring people together and do something healthy.”
Pre-registration on Facebook is easy, by clicking the post pinned at the top of the Warrior Fitness page. If you’re not on social media and want to sign up early, you can call Brad at 716-699-1100 and he will get you set up over the phone. Another fun healthy activity in Elllicottville and a good way to work your appetite up for the feast you may be having with friends and family later that day while watching the football game. We have a great ski season ahead of us! It’s time to start the celebrations! Happy Holidays!