They came from all over. They came from Valpo, from Portage, from Hobart. They came from all over the region. Young and young-at-heart, experienced runners and first-timers. The crowd swelled to nearly 400 participants for the event. Some pre-registered online, others simply showed up on a drizzly, but unseasonably warm Thanksgiving morning to take part in the Portage YMCA 15th Annual Turkey Trot.
As the runners were busy adjusting their gear and performing their pre-run stretches, we got a moment to speak with a few of the brave souls who came out early this holiday morning.
"This is my race-a-versary," said Stephanie Crook. "I ran my first Turkey Trot here in Portage 5 years ago. This is my gym... my local gym. I train here. The Portage YMCA is really a huge part of my life. I made a decision to improve my life, so I started running and I never looked back. This event is a celebration - for those who are celebrating their 2nd, 3rd, 5th race, and for those here today who will be running their first race. This event is really just a celebration of all the hard work they've put into it."
"She got me into it, too," said Victoria Brubaker. "Stephanie pulled me in. I saw her passion for running, how it really helped to change her life. She's my sister, so she helped me get into it, and it's become a tremendous part of our lives."
"I'm a runner," Stephanie added. "It's just what I do."
Amber Zimmer, Healthy Living Director at YMCA said, "I've worked here at the YMCA for 4 years now, and helped to administrate this event for the last couple of years, but this is my first time being in charge of the Turkey Trot here. I’m happy to be here. I love what the YMCA stands for - their mission, their goals, their commitment to the community."
Zimmer was especially happy with the turn-out for the day's event.
"We had a great turn-out this year. Last year, we had 282 participants. This year, we had 342 pre-registered, and that's not counting those who showed up to register this morning. I'm really hoping that we reach 400 for the day. We really count on this, it's part of our annual support campaign, a way of fund-raising that allows up to raise funds to help subsidize the activities and facilities here at the Y. We are part of the community and we believe in giving back to that community, through programs and other services that we provide. Our mission is for all, and we aim to serve all who want to join."
The event kicked off with a Kids 1K fun run, followed by a 4 mile competitive race, with a 5K Walk/Run following close behind. We were able to catch up with the winner of the 4 mile race - and men's overall winner - Jeff Lambert, just after he crossed the finish line.
"The weather here today was just really nice. Much better than the last few years here in Portage. I've been running since I was 15 years old and it's just a really great sport. I'm very glad to be here," said Lambert.
The rest of the runners followed, wave after wave. Smiles, laughter, tears of joy as they crossed the finish line, cheered on by family, friends and fans. Some hugging, then more smiles as the next group of runners breezed through the orange arches and the timer beeped their arrival.
Amber Alexander, CEO of the Portage YMCA said, "This has sort of become a tradition in the Portage area. Our slogan is 'Finish.. Then feast,' so they come out with their families and they take part in the run. It's a healthy family tradition."
Alexander is especially proud of the role that the Y plays in the area.
"Most people think of the Y a health club, but we have people who come here just to socialize. Especially for older people, and those who maybe don't have anyone at home. They come here and they spend the day and they talk with people. It gives them something to do, instead of just being at home."
Stephanie Crook agrees. "The YMCA is more than just a place to work-out. It's about community. It's about family."