A runner has been disqualified following a collision at a turkey trot in upstate New York that has since gone viral on social media.
The Thanksgiving Day incident occurred Thursday, Nov. 24, in Rensselaer County, at the Troy Turkey Trot 10K race in Troy.
Video posted on Twitter shows Xavier Salvador, of Washington, DC, and Jack Huber, of Delmar, vying hard for 4th place as they approach the finish line.
The pair are seen nearly shoulder to shoulder as they near the end of the race, when Salvador suddenly veers to his right, colliding with Huber, who had tried to pass on the same side.
Both men then fall to the ground, with Huber slamming hard into a metal barrier before crashing into a photographer’s legs.
Huber suffered scrapes and road rash on his shoulder and hands, along with bruises on his right knee and forearms, while Salvador was left with a swollen wrist, sore ribs, and some scrapes, according to the Albany Times Union.
Footage of the collision, along with witness accounts, was later reviewed by race organizers, who disqualified Salvador for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“The Troy Turkey Trot has determined that Xaviar Salvador (Bib 707) violated USATF Rule 163 as he and Jack Huber (Bib 957) competed for 4th and 5th place in the 10K at the 75th running of the Troy Turkey Trot,” organizers posted on Facebook Friday, Nov. 25.
Accompanying the post was a revised results list showing Huber in 4th place at 31 minutes and 47 seconds.
Race referee and Troy Turkey Trot coordinator, George Regan, told the Times Union he witnessed the entire incident and can’t remember anything similar happening in the race’s history.
“(Huber) was on the river side of the fourth-place runner and I just watched in dismay and horror because the kid could see him in his peripheral vision and kept creeping to the right and wouldn’t let him by,” Regan told the outlet.
Salvador told the Times Union he didn’t see Huber coming up on his right side and only veered to his right in order to avoid a manhole cover.
“I feel really bad about it … I never had an intention to hurt him, tackle him,” he told the outlet. “I didn’t realize he was on my right shoulder and I’m sprinting as hard as I can.”
Despite Salvador’s insistence it was an accident, social media has been flooded with people who beg to differ.
“The runners finishing ahead of him didn’t seem to have a problem with the manhole cover,” Chris Furnani said on Twitter.
“That’s one of the most unsportsmanlike moves I’ve ever seen in any amateur sports event,” Dave Aiello added.
The 75th annual Troy Turkey Trot resulted in controversy and the disqualification of one runner after a collision near the finish line, This incident has sparked debate about race etiquette and safety
The Collision
The collision occurred between two male runners, Xavier Salvador and Jack Huber near the end of the 10K race. Video shows Salvador initiate contact by leaning his shoulder into Huber, sending both crashing into the course barricades.
Huber, a former collegiate runner, was vying for a top 5 finish before being taken out Salvador ended up crossing the finish line first but was promptly disqualified by race officials for unsportsmanlike conduct
A nearby photographer, Amy Modesti, was also knocked down from the impact. Thankfully no serious injuries resulted.
Disqualification and Reaction
Following review of race footage and speaking with witnesses, the decision was made to DQ Salvador for the deliberate collision with Huber.
Salvador denied purposefully making contact post-race: “I didn’t see him. I was looking straight ahead to the finish line.”
Huber expressed frustration but was ultimately glad no one was hurt: “It’s dangerous, it’s dumb, but it’s over.”
Modesti took to social media saying: “It could have been much worse for everyone involved.”
History of Incidents
While rare, races have seen other occurrences of runners interfering with one another.
High profile examples include:
- 2013 Boston Marathon – Woman shoves runner to ground near finish
- 2019 London Marathon – Runner swerves to trip another participant
- 2022 Brooklyn Half Marathon – Man charges into woman, knocking her down
These incidents breach expectations of sportsmanship and safety at racing events.
Race Etiquette and Safety
Collision controversies highlight the need for caution and courteous racing by all participants. Here are tips for safe running etiquette:
-
Be aware of other runners around you. Do not make sudden moves that could impede them.
-
Give ample space when passing someone. At least an arm’s length distance.
-
If you must stop, move fully off the course so others can get by.
-
No headphones so you can hear instructions and other runners.
-
Start in the correct corral based on expected pace.
-
When finishing, maintain your lane and do not interfere with others.
-
If you witness dangerous behavior, report it to race officials immediately.
Following these guidelines and common sense helps make race day safe and enjoyable for everyone involved!
Impact on the Troy Turkey Trot
The high-profile collision has become an unfortunate defining moment for the 2022 Troy Turkey Trot.
Race director George Regan called it “an incredibly rough thing to happen.” He stressed the importance of running “clean races.”
This incident also raises concerns over barricade safety given the high speeds of lead runners.
Future Trots will likely review the design along the home stretch and have discussions over how to discourage unsportsmanlike acts.
The actions that led to a disqualification put a damper on the 75th annual Troy Turkey Trot. While thankfully no one was seriously injured, they highlight the need for caution by all runners during road races.
Hopefully this controversy leads to productive discussion over how to maintain the welcoming spirit and safety that events like the Troy Turkey Trot embody. With sound etiquette and smart course management, races can remain an enjoyable community tradition for years to come.
Viral video shows collision at Troy Turkey Trot
FAQ
How many people run the Troy Turkey Trot?
Who came up with Turkey Trot?