A fall tradition that combines fun, fitness and community impact marks its 12th anniversary this year on Thanksgiving Day. The Olivette Turkey Trot regularly draws more than 2,000 participants for a 5K run/walk. All entrance fees are donated to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.
The event began in 2013 with about 200 people. It originated from a conversation between Freddie Steinbach and Missy Waldman.
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“I had an advertising and PR firm, and we represented the city of Olivette,” said Steinbach, 80. “I was simultaneously the board president of Jewish Family and Children’s Services (now known as JFS). Missy was the mayor, and we agreed that it would be a good idea for them to donate the proceeds.”
Steinbach, a member of Temple Israel, has participated in the Turkey Trot every year since its inception. So has Alan Mandel, 72, also a member of TI.
“My daughter, Courtney Swillinger, really kind of turned us on to it,” Mandel said. “She’s an Olivette resident and our oldest child. She handles the logistics and sends out an email to our family members to see who will be there.”
The extended Mandel family members who participate in the Olivette Turkey Trot now often exceed 30, he said.
“We have six children and 19 grandchildren,” he said. “Some of them were in strollers, but they show up. The group changes every year, but it’s usually sizable. Everybody gets up on Thanksgiving morning, and most people run, some walk. It’s always been fun and it’s a great day. Even when my youngest son was at West Point, he would come home for Thanksgiving and go with us.”
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The 2024 Olivette Turkey Trot raised $25,000, bringing the total amount over the history of the event to $138,500. Those funds are important source for the food pantry to puts its mission into action, according to Miriam Seidenfeld, JFS CEO.
“Every bag of groceries represents more than just food, it’s stability for a family, dignity for a senior, and hope for someone going through a difficult time,” Seidenfeld said. “By addressing food insecurity, we’re strengthening the entire community.
“Food insecurity affects every part of a person’s life, from health and education to emotional well-being,” she added. “We’re not only providing nourishment but also creating connection and care. When people know they are not alone, it builds a stronger, more compassionate St. Louis.”
The Olivette Turkey Trot begins at 8 a.m. on Nov. 27 at Stacy Park. All ages are welcome, as are leashed dogs. A free kids run is also available for children under 5. Participants will receive a Turkey Trot T-shirt and post-race refreshments. Race day packet pick-up begins at 7 a.m. Registration information is available here.
