FINISH THEN FEAST was the theme for Portage Y’s 12th Annual Turkey Trot. “The theme is an inspiration to remind runners that with hard work and dedication to finish the race, the rest of the Holiday is theirs to indulge,” said Nancy Simpson, Marketing Director.
Participation has been increasing every year and Mother Nature cooperated on Thursday. Staff knew the number of walk-in’s would be high. Last year 290 runners/walkers participated. This year was an incredible turnout of 460 runners/walkers.
St. Mary Medical Center was this year’s primary sponsor of the race with 14 other local business sponsors. The race consists of a 4 mile run or a 5K non-competitive walk utilizing the Rails to Trails and local neighborhoods.
Children even were able to take part in the event with the 1K Kids Fun Run which started the event.
All proceeds from the race go towards the Portage Y’s Annual Support Campaign “They Depend on Us, We Depend on You”, which addresses the mind, body and spirit through scholarships for those who can’t afford to become members. Last year more than 500 people were able to participate in membership, preschool, swim lessons, afterschool programs, childcare, sports and summer camp thanks to the $50,000 donated to the campaign. The Y is well over their goal of $67,000 for 2012.
Winners of the 4 mile run were: first place overall male was Geoff Lambert with a time of 21:38.9. First place overall female was Beth Kreppein with a time of 26:49.4.