Runners take part in St. Bernadette School and Parish’s 17th annual Turkey Trot in Drexel Hill on Nov. 29, an event that raised more than $20,000 to support school improvements. (Photo: Dan McCarty)

By Dan McCarty • Posted December 1, 2025

For the 17th consecutive year, the St. Bernadette School and Parish community in Drexel Hill worked off Thanksgiving calories at the annual Turkey Trot, held Saturday, Nov, 29. The event featured a dumpling dash for young children , a 5K, and a  one mile family fun walk.

According to  St. Bernadette School parent, Sarah Halley, the Turkey Trot is truly a team effort. Planning begins in July with volunteers working behind the scenes to bring this tradition to life. Because the fundraiser starts with no initial funds, it is only made possible through the generosity of sponsors and donors.

“Each year, we reach out to local businesses, parishioners, school families and friends throughout the community who step forward with incredible support,” said Halley.

A raffle also helps raise money for St. Bernadette, with donated items serving as another way to unite the community. Families, parishioners, and neighbors came out on Saturday morning to assist with registration and check-in, distribute shirts, and serve as street marshals to keep participants safe.

“Watching everyone come together that morning is truly a sight to see,” Halley added.

Word of this event spreads through school families, parish bulletins, local social media groups and Bryn Mawr Racing Company’s RunSignUp platform, which email’s past participants.

Prevailing as the overall 5K winner  for the second consecutive year wasEmmett Gross of Drexel Hill, finishing in 16:32.47. The day was a family affair for Gross,  joined by his wife Atlanta; their nine and a half-month-old son, Nash; and his parents Wendy and Sig, who cheered from the sidelines. This marked the second year that the Gross family took part as the race course passes their house on Cedar Lane.

“It is too convenient to pass it up,” said Gross. “It’s just fun sometimes to do the hometown race.”

Other top finishers included Daniel Green (17:27.27), Colin Bodels (18:13.17), Tess Knisely (19:02.77), and John Paul Gallagher (19:21.37). Knisely, a sophomore and cross country and track runner at Archbishop Carroll High School in Radnor, saw the raceas an opportunity to prepare for indoor track season.

“It felt good,” said Knisely, the first-place female finisher. “I just wanted to get a good time in.”

The event raised more than $20,000. all of which supports improvements to the school building.  Past projects have included replacing bathroom stalls in school lavatories.

“It may seem like a small improvement, but to our students, it makes a huge difference,” said Halley. “These upgrades help create a safe, comfortable and happy environment for them each day and we’re grateful that the Turkey Trot makes it possible.”

St. Bernadette was not the only local community taking part in a Turkey Trot that Saturday. Cardinal John Foley Regional Catholic School in Havertown, comprised of parishioners from St. Denis and Annunciation BVM, held a trot of its own to benefit the school.