It must be that time of year ...

... because we are all talking turkey! Today it was all about the 2nd Grade and their Turkey Run. On an absolutely beautiful fall Monday, the traditional 2nd Grade Turkey Run did not disappoint. All 47 boys finished the 500 meter course with many of them achieving their personal best times. The boys have been preparing and training for this big day with their coaches since the beginning of time--well it seemed like that, but really just since the beginning of school.

At right we see the boys on the bus ride over to Riverside receiving last minute tips in preparation for the Turkey Run. Nervousness ran high and the air within the confines of the bus was filled with the anxious excitement that precedes all big races such as this. The New York City Marathon has nothing on the Turkey Run. The Verranzano Narrows Bridge may vibrate under the weight of 47,000 runners, but it doesn't even come close to the yellow school bus I was on this morning literally jumping as 47 eight year olds neared the park and the start of their "marathon."

At left we see the boys arriving at the park, preparing to go downstairs to the course.

Leaving in three packs, the Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis, the boys ran north along a straightaway, up a steep hill, down a long decline and back along the straightaway to the finish line--making a big 'D'. No coincidence whatsoever!

There was a time, back in the 80s when this all began, that the winner did, in fact, receive as a prize the real deal--an actual turkey. Today, the boys all settle for a chocolate one each. Below is a shot of the boys after the race and before their return to school on the east side.

Staff members from the Canticle were on hand interviewing participants, spectators, coaching staff, and of course snapping photographs.

Pictured below are two 8th grade reporters hard at work, snapping away.

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