NATCHEZ — The first Turkey Trot benefiting Trinity Episcopal Day School sprinted to the finish Saturday morning as approximately $2,000 was raised for the school.

Beau Pré Country Club saw more than 60 participants run a 5-kilometer race throughout the subdivision.

A 1-mile fun run for participants ages 10 and under followed the adult run.

Event organizer Noelle Speed said she first got the idea to host the event after running in her first 5K in Seaside, Fla.

“They were raising money for a school through running,” she said. “It started off really small, and then it grew to a very large event.”

Speed said she wanted the same thing to happen with the Turkey Trot, and that is why she brought it to Natchez.

“We have a large running community in Natchez,” she said. “I thought it would be a great way to help raise money for the school.”

Speed said the money is going back to the teachers and classrooms at Trinity.

“We really didn’t have to ask for much to put this event on,” she said. “We had a lot of area sponsors who donated items for us and were excited to help.”

Third place finisher Hays Vaughan of Natchez said he was glad to run in support of a good cause.

“It was a lot of fun, and I got to be around some good friends,” he said. “I think its good we are out here supporting a healthy lifestyle.”

Cathedral High School junior and Vidalia resident Dylan Sandidge said he loves to run and was happy to come out and compete in the Turkey Trot.

“I always try to run and stay in shape,” he said. “You just feel accomplished after you go out and finish a race.”

Race participant Mike Linton of Natchez said he can’t wait to compete in next year’s Turkey Trot.

“I like to run, it is a healthier alternative to playing rugby like I used too,” he said. “Everyone started out at a good pace, and had a good time.”

Linton’s 3-year-old daughter Sally Hudson Linton was also at the race, and Linton said she loves to run just as much as he does.

“She can only run races that are a half mile long because of her age,” he said. “She was awfully disappointed she couldn’t compete in the 1-mile fun run.”

Speed said she was thankful to everyone who came out and gave their time for such a good cause.

“If everyone would have come out, and we would have only raised $5, we still would have had a great time,” she said. “We are looking forward to doing it again.”