300 Participants Finished Then Feasted at the 11th Annual Turkey Trot

This past holiday, 300 participants completed the Y’s Turkey Trot before they feasted, hence the tagline, “Finish then Feast.” The Portage Township YMCA has been hosting this growing event for 11 years. The first year the event was created there were only 10 runners. Without discouragement, the Y kept the event alive.

With the weather this past Thanksgiving morning perfect for running, 297 dedicated participants rolled out of bed to endure the pleasure of accomplishing a feat. The race began and concluded at the YMCA while utilizing Portage’s “Rails to Trails” and winding through a nearby subdivision. “This year was more enduring with a 4 mile run instead of a 5K run. It gave me something more to strive for,” said Margaret Hall, race participant.

For those just wanting to get out and enjoy walking on beautiful morning, a 5K non-competitive was added. The Y incorporated a training group called “Couch to Course.” “This training group was our largest yet. We had 30 participants train for either the 5K Walk or the 4 Mile Run,” added Nikki Huber, training coordinator.

A large congratulations to all of the participants of the Y's 11th Annual 5K Non-Competitive Walk/4 Mile Run! First place male 4 mile runner was Geoffrey Lambert with a time of 21:48.5. First place female 4 mile runner was Dollie Boyle with a time of 28:08.5.

As the YMCA’s focus is on family and community, this event revolved around family. A 1K kid’s fun run started before the race. After the fun run, children whose parents were participating in the run could utilize the Y’s Fun Zone (child care) free of charge. The run benefited the Portage Township YMCA’s, Youth Scholarship Fund which provided financial assistance to those in need in order to afford programs and services at the YMCA.

As a leading nonprofit, the Portage Township YMCA strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y is available to all, regardless of age, income or background. For more details regarding the run, contact the YMCA at 219-762-9622 or at info@ymcaofportage.org.