6th Annual JPJ Memorial Turkey Trot Set for Thanksgiving Day at Moncus Park

Thanksgiving morning is a time when families across the United States gather to give thanks and create cherished memories. In Lafayette, Louisiana, one family has turned their Thanksgiving into a time-honored tradition of togetherness, friendly competition, and giving back to the community.

The JPJ Memorial Turkey Trot, which began as a small family fun run, has grown into a significant event that honors a beloved member of the Judice family, Jean Paul Judice.

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More than 'Just a Race'

The story of the JPJ Memorial Turkey Trot is intimately connected to Robin Judice Bostick, who serves as the aunt to Jean Paul Judice, founder of the nonprofit JPJ Memorial Turkey Trot, and is also the mother of five amazing children.

"When the kids were growing up, we participated in many races in Austin, TX. One of the largest races was the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot held every Thanksgiving brought in over 20,000 participants. As my family grew, it became harder and harder to tackle bringing five kids to a race, so in 2008, I decided to start my own family turkey trot tradition on Thanksgiving morning," explained Bostick.

This tradition started with a simple one-mile run in the neighborhood, followed by homemade cinnamon rolls and mimosas. It was the perfect way to kick off Thanksgiving, bringing family and friends together. However, in 2010, when the Judice family moved back to Lafayette, this cherished tradition took on a new life, growing in size and significance.

What sets the JPJ Memorial Turkey Trot apart is the friendly but fierce competition. Winning the race is an immense honor, and the champions are awarded special turkey-shaped cookie medals from Bouki's Baker, a local bakery. Jean-Paul Judice, Robin's nephew, was a dominant force in this tradition. He graced the podium three years in a row with first-place finishes, and many playfully credit the homemade cinnamon rolls and mimosas at the finish line for his extraordinary speed.

However, tragedy struck the Judice family and the community in 2018, with the unexpected passing of Jean Paul. This left a gaping void, but it also deepened the meaning behind the turkey trot. The event transformed into a beautiful way to gather, remember, and give thanks for the love that Jean-Paul spread throughout his life.

Robin Judice Bostick extended an invitation to the community, stating, "This is my invitation to help us with putting on this race in honor of Jean-Paul. The race will be held on Thanksgiving morning at Moncus Park.

The JPJ Memorial Turkey Trot stands as a testament to the power of family, community, and the enduring spirit of giving thanks and helping others. It's not just a race; it's a tradition infused with love, remembrance, and the desire to make the world a better place. This Thanksgiving, the Lafayette community is invited to join the Judice family in celebrating this wonderful tradition and honoring the memory of Jean-Paul Judice.

How to Register:

Vistit www.jpjturkeytrot.com

It also gives you the option to make a donation if you are unable to attend but would still like to support Saint Joseph's Diner.

Race Details:

Show up at 8:30 a.m. The race starts at 9 am. Parking will be available at Reds and the gate will be open to the park.

A letter from JP's Father, Remi: