Wayne held its third annual 5K Turkey Trot on Saturday, November 15, 2025, starting at 9 a.m. at Wayne Hills High School. This event was run and organized by the Wayne Special Parents Association, a group that helps to empower parents of students with special needs to become involved with matters concerning education, health, and safety for students with learning differences. Over three hundred students, educators, and community members participated in this event. A large number of students and educators from Wayne Valley participated, with several placing within their age group and/or placing overall in the event. The Turkey Trot is not something for just one school or one part of the community, but for anyone who wants to take part in something bigger that can make a difference. There were over twenty sponsors for this event, with several being Wayne Valley and Wayne Hills sports teams.
When asked what he thought this event meant to the community, Mr. Schulman, a Wayne Valley science teacher and cross country and track coach, remarked, “I think it is really cool to see so many people from the community getting together to support a cause. There were kids and adults. There were middle schoolers and high schoolers. There were kids from Valley, Hills, and Passaic Tech. There were kids from all different sports and activities. I think it is great that so many people who do not normally spend time together all came together to support a common goal.”
Gavin Magno, a sophomore and one of Wayne Valley’s leading cross country runners, was asked whether he thought that it was important for sports teams from both Wayne high schools to get involved with this event. He explained that he believed, “It is important that both Wayne Valley and Hills have sports teams represent their schools to show that, despite rivalries, athletes from both schools can come together for a good cause.” Athletes from high school sports teams around Wayne are encouraged by their coaches or other members to take part in this event.
When asked what this event meant to him, Mr. Flower, a member of Wayne Valley’s history staff and one of the cross-country and track coaches, commented, “It is great to support our unified sports programs in Wayne.” All of the proceeds collected from the event go to Unified Sports, which is Wayne’s part of the Special Olympics.
Whether you are there to run, walk, or simply enjoy the experience of attending, Wayne’s annual 5K Turkey Trot is a way to make a difference in the community while partaking in a fun, turkey-themed event.
