Comanche Nation Hosts Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

On November 23, runners and walkers met for the Comanche Nation’s Turkey Trot at the front of Watchetaker Hall.

Comanche Nation Chairman Mark Woommavovah said this event was an inaugural Turkey Trot, and registration was a food donation to the food bank.

“What our people don't know and what the community doesn't know is the food bank serves 30 percent of the Native community in the Lawton area,” he said. “So, it's important that we had this event not only to support them but to support our movement of fitness and nutrition.”

Woommavovah said Lawton used to have a Turkey Trot.

“They did away with it, I guess, years ago for lack of participation,” he said. “So, we want to do this for the community as well as our Comanche Nation.”

Woommavovah said watching participants cross the finish line was inspiring.

“Because not only do you see our youth, you see our elders, you see the middle age, you see families, you see natives, you see Comanches, you see other tribes, and you see our community members,” he said. “So, it's a sense of pride knowing that we're able to do this for our community.”

Woommavovah said the run had a great turnout and was a good time for families to spend time together.

“It's a tradition that we do a turkey trout,” he said. “You start your day with fitness and exercise. Once you complete the distance, you can eat pie.”

Participants also dressed up for the occasion, and Santa Claus made an appearance.

“Happy Thanksgiving, and it's an honor to do this for our community and our tribal people. Comanche strong, stronger together,” Woommavovah said.

Thanksgiving morning was complete with donations to the Lawton Food Bank, a walk and a raffle of two turkeys, several gift cards and various other items.