It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As soon as Old No.6 arrives on the bar what better way is there to get you in the festive spirit than to get Trotting! The Joule’s Turkey Trot is perfect for adults, children and four legged friends alike who can run, jog or walk around Market Drayton- the home of Joule’s Brewery.

The course, marshalled by Market Drayton Hockey Club, starts at the original Joule’s house the Red Lion Inn and trots past other local Taphouses, The Sandbrook Vaults and The Lord Hill.

On the morning of Sunday, the 9th of December the Trotters began to gather in the warmth of The Red Lion Inn where Kayleigh, general manager of the Joule’s Brewery Tap, and the Team were on hand with teas and coffees. In true Turkey Trot tradition, the Town Crier rounded up all of the Trotters under the Brewery tower ready for the race to begin at 11am and with a ring of his bell they were off…

As always the festive fancy dress was fantastic, even the dogs joined in. There were Elves, Christmas Trees, Santa’s and of course Turkeys in many forms. There were feathered Turkeys, roasted Turkeys, inflatable Turkeys and The Harrison family wrapped in Turkey foil ready for the oven! A delight to see on a sleepy Sunday morning.

They hadn’t been gone for long when the fastest trotter, number 7, Glyn Williams came speeding up Phoenix Bank, followed by John Rayson and Craig Storey. The ladies weren’t far behind with Amanda Williams taking 1st position, flapping her wings in celebration, then came in Beckie Warner and 15-year-old Sophie Vernon.

The top three Trotters from each category were presented with a Turkey, Goose and Chicken sponsored by Shepley’s Butchers. Of course they couldn’t forget the fastest four legged trotter Zac who was presented with a stocking full of treats. There were also prizes for the best dressed children- Martha and Layton. All of the Trotters were presented with a medal as well as a well-deserved pint, which was best enjoyed whilst resting up in the Red Lion Inn with a Turkey bap or Sunday Carvery. To top it all off live music from the fantastic Peter Jones. Proceeds from the event shall be donated to Dogs Trust.

If you missed out this year pop next year’s date into your diary’s. The 7th annual Turkey Trot shall be held on Sunday the 8th of December 2019 with race numbers available from the Red Lion Inn from early November. But in the meantime join the Team at the Red Lion Inn over the festive period to enjoy a sample or two of the Joule’s favourite seasonal ale Old No.6, the perfect winter warmer