Hundreds of Palisades residents reconnect at Turkey Trot for 1st time since January wildfire

PACIFIC PALISADES, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- This year's Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot was perhaps one of the most meaningful in its 11-year history, with neighbors reconnecting for the first time since January's devastating wildfires.

Hundreds came out to run in the Turkey Trot on Thursday, and the fact that it was held was reason enough to celebrate and be thankful.

It's been 10 months since the Palisades Fire devastated the area, so when the emails and flyers informing the community that the turkey trot was on went out, residents said it was a huge step in the rebuilding, not only of homes, but also of the community.

"I think after the fire, everyone spread out, and we haven't been together as a community, maybe since the tree lighting last year, with this many people from our neighborhood all together," said Mary Katherine Harr.

"I'm thankful we still plan to rebuild and come back to our community, and thankful for all the people who are here," said Scott Norred.

Some of the runners said they lost everything but wanted to come back to participate.

For those whose homes survived and are still living in the Palisades, they said it's wonderful to see hundreds of people, including old friends and neighbors, return to the neighborhood.

"I lost everything I had, so I was bouncing around. I finally feel really good, and I've been helping the community and helping homeowners, and giving people resources that they may need -- builders, architects -- and it just has such a great feeling," said Jacqueline Chernov.

"It's so encouraging. We're all seconds from tears around here because this was a great city, it still is," Kim Marshall said. "We're looking for hope because so much is negative. It could just make you jump off the roof, but things like this keep you going."

While they're thankful that the race wasn't canceled, they're also thankful that they had a chance to return to the community that they love. Many runners said they are looking forward to when they can walk to the start of the annual Turkey Trot from their homes again.