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Turkey Trot hits record participation this year
Several people participate in the Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run/Walk event held Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009, at Ritter Park in Huntington. All proceeds from the registration fees benefit Little Victories No-kill animal shelter.
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HUNTINGTON -- More than 480 runners and walkers started their Thanksgiving at Huntington's Ritter Park.
South Carolina resident Chase Matthews ran with his father, while Chris Gray ran on his wife's orders and Jessica Poole ran to support her family's stance on healthy lifestyles.
Joseph Grant, 10, and Chip Sweeney, 11, both of Huntington provided additional color with their costumes. Sweeney dressed as a turkey and Grant as a cow urging runners to eat more turkey.
"We just think it's a fun, festive way to celebrate a holiday," Sweeney said.
Patty Jennings founded the annual Huntington Turkey Trot 5K three years ago based on an experience in St. Louis. It started with 50 friends and family, grew to 120 participants in 2008 and surpassed 480 this year.
"I'm so overwhelmed," she said. "It's a fun way for family, friends and relatives to get out, get a little fresh air and a little bonding time before they sit down to a big Thanksgiving Day meal."
The runners arrived with different motivations. Matthews, 14, of Columbia, S.C., is not an avid runner but choose to run with his father seven hours from home. He prepared with two recent three-mile runs.
"I guess it makes me feel less guilty that I'm eating a bunch of food for Thanksgiving," Matthews said.
Gray, 33, of Huntington is recovering from knee surgery. His wife pushed him to participate, but he believed the morning run would be strategy to survive the hectic Thanksgiving afternoon with food and lounging.
"She constantly tells me I'm putting on weight," Gray said. "Leading into the holidays, it's just a good way to get in shape."
Poole, 25, of Barboursville is an avid runner and married to a second-year medical school student. Both are aware of health problems that plague the state.
"We just think it's important to practice what we preach and make health a priority," Poole said. "Especially on Thanksgiving, because its a day you probably partake more calories than any other day in the year. It's especially important to move your feet before you eat."
Chuck Wentz was the first male to cross the finish line with a time of 16:12. Jensyn Leonhart followed as the first female with a time of 20:53. Officials recorded 481 entries with 416 finishers.
Jennings estimated this year's event would raise from $5,000 to $7,000. All proceeds support Little Victories Animal Rescue, a no-kill animal shelter in Ona.
