Trusa makes annual run a tradition for kids

FREDON — Lisa Trusa, a phys ed and health at The Fredon Township Elementary School, stages an annual Turkey Trot for children in grades four, five and six each fall. This year’s event was held the week before the holiday and has become a Fredon School tradition to kick off the celebration of Thanksgiving.

The Turkey Trot itself is filled with school spirit and enthusiasm as the entire school parades across Route 94 to Lodestar Park, but there’s a preamble. Starting in September, the children part-take in Trusa’s Run For Fun as part of gym class, recess and by taking part in local sanctioned races to earn what are affectionately called by the parents Trusa Miles.

“For each five miles the children run, the receive a little token to put on their sneakers,” Trusa said. “I always set a big goal for the kids too.” This year, it was to complete a total of 25 miles during the three months, and if they did, a large running foot was the prize.

Trusa has been doing the program since 2000 and has kept meticulous records of the winners over the years. “It’s fun to look back and see who won and what they’re doing now,” she said.

Trevor Befurno was the boys’ champion for the second year in a row. The sixth grader completed the race in 5:42. Nile Mattar was close behind in 5:45 and Kyle Utter and Austin Seames tied for third running 5:58.

In the girls’ race, Mackenzie Utter repeated the win for an unprecedented third year in a row. Prior to the race, Trusa said she thought Mackenzie could do it, but made a point of challenging her to do her best and pointing out that there are a lot of other girls with some great talent. Utter ran 5:41. Alyssa Nagy was second with a 6:11. Known for her karate expertise, the third place finisher showed she’s also a talented runner as Brooke Klinger was right on Nagy’s tail finishing in 6:13.

Fourth grader Ashley Espinosa has been eagerly earning her Trusa Miles and couldn’t wait for the Turkey Trot.

“Running is a lot of fun, good exercise and it gets you outside in the fresh air,” she said, and her younger brother, Ryan agreed. Espinosa placed 19th in the race, and her brother, though still too young to run it as a second grader, cheered her on.

With music playing and a whole lot of positive energy and adrenalin flowing through the cold November air, Trusa’s annual event achieved it’s mission of showing the children the many positives of setting and striving for goals.