GMAA Turkey Trot Benefits The Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf
From the Green Mountain Athletic Association:
GMAA staged the 35th annual 5k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 24. Despite the snow the day before, 728 participants showed up to navigate the treacherous course, which included a fair amount of ice and a steeplechase section with a tree to leap. This year’s Trot raised $3,114 and 1,338 pounds offood donations for the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf, plus an additional 1,000 pounds pledged by Bove’s at the event and delivered later!
David Emerson, 24, of Westford, repeated as men’s champion, albeit a bit off last year’s time due to the conditions, crossing the line in 16:40. Kate Leugers, 22, from Richmond, second last year, was top woman this year in 18:51. The second man was David’s cousin, Sean Maguire, 20, ofEssex (16:57). The third man (17:19) was incognito—with his sweatshirt hood cinched tight, he kept running after finishing and was not identified. Second woman was Sarah Dunn, 39, ofShelburne, in 20:13, followed by Dee Barbic, 44, ofHinesburg (21:55).
There were more turkey costumes than ever, and for the first time a professional photographer braved the conditions to get some good shots. Pat Hendric Photography has generously pledged all their proceeds from Turkey Trot photo orders to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. In addition, a highlight this year was a marriage proposal that took place at the finish line: Congratulations to Ali Crumb and Ryan Johnson, engaged at the Turkey Trot! Miss Vermont 2011, Katie Levasseur, helped out with the kids’ race, and the kids enjoyed visiting with her and getting photos taken with her. The kids’ race was rerouted and shortened this year due to the icy conditions, but the large pack of kids ran hard and fast to claim their finish ribbons.
Many thanks to the following wonderful volunteers: Anne Bliss (Race Director), Scott Bliss, Jack, Bobby and Ethan Treadwell, Bill Mares, Brad Minor, Maureen Neumann, Tracy and Brian Joslin, Bob Sayers, Chuck Arnold, Marc Kutler, Norm Larson and Bud White. And also big thanks to Bob Maritano from the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf, for taking the time to bring his truck and load all the food on the holiday after a very busy week.
Prizes and supplies were generously donated by Champlain Orchards, ClifBar & Co., Dan’s Chocolates, EatingWell Media Group, Hannaford, Healthy Living Market, Kathy & Company Flowers, Onion River Chiropractic, RunVermont , Saucony and Vermont Teddy Bear Company.
A full race report can be found here.
For more information about the GMAA, contact GMAA President Jessica Cover, 434.5813 or president@gmaa.net, or GMAA Publicity Officer Leigh Chandler, 734.1334 or publicity@gmaa.net.