Twelve years ago, Columbus North cross-country runner Morgan Neal organized the 5K on Turkey Day for her senior project.
It’s been an annual tradition ever since.
Each year, senior runners of the Bull Dogs’ cross-country team have put together a 5K walk or run held on Thanksgiving morning. Maria Gaggiano Camargo and Ainsley Sherlock from this season’s girls team are the two seniors organizing the event.
“I wanted to keep the tradition, and when Maria came to Columbus North this year, we thought that we should work together on this project,” Sherlock said. “It worked out great because it’s been a tradition, and we decided to take over with it for this year.”
Maria Gaggiano Camargo
For Gaggiano Camargo, this is her first year at North. She started running for the Northside Middle School team, then moved to Culver her freshman year. She spent the past two years in California until returning to Columbus her senior year.
“Ainsley has been the best partner because she’s such an easy person to share a project with. I feel like we’re really good at splitting things up and sharing them together.” Gaggiano Camargo. “It’s never felt like it was her project or my project, it feels like it’s truly been a shared effort, and she has been one of the best to work with.”
The event will be held at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgounds. People of all ages may register for the event. Registration is $35 per person and, if possible, each person should bring at least three canned goods on race day.
The race will begin at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, with the Community Building doors opening at 7 a.m. for anyone that wants to sign up for the event at the last minute. All runners that participate will receive a medal, a t-shirt (sizes limited) and coupons. The top five boys and top five girls runners will receive a pie, as well.
All of the proceeds from the event will benefit Love Chapel. More information can be found at givebutter.com/5kturkeyrun2025
“It’s a really great idea, and I think helping with Love Chapel is a great way to help the community, and I think that’s been the main idea for a senior project and a great way to help the community,” Sherlock said. “With this project, it allows everyone else in the community to help benefit Love Chapel, and especially in this time, bringing in canned foods, it’s very beneficial.”
That’s not the only 5K run or walk event being held Thanksgiving morning. The Columbus Parks Foundation is hosting a “Tour de Trails Turkey Trot” that begins at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Hamilton Community Center and Ice Arena. The event is free, and donations will be accepted to benefit the Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship Fund. There will be hot chocolate and a raffle following the event. More information can be found at secure.qgiv.com/for/ryt9ol/event/turkeytrot
