NOT HOT TO TROT
Nearly 6,500 runners and walkers brave sub-freezing temperatures to participate in the 71st edition of the event, which benefits Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House and Shelter
TROY, N.Y. >> Runners who took part in the 71st edition of the Troy Turkey Trot Thursday set a record before they even stepped over the starting line; it was the coldest Trot on record.
When the 1,563 runners for the 10k race stepped off at 8 a.m. it was six degrees. Two hours later when the 4,500 runners for the 5k race began, the temperature had risen to 10 degrees.
The frigid weather may have brought out the hats, gloves, and warm-up suits and kept a few souls inside, but the men, women and children who made it to the Turkey Trot’s starting line had an emotional fire inside them that could melt ice.
After all, this event is as much about fundraising for good causes as it is about fitness.
This year’s event drew runners from 40 states and five countries.
“The Turkey Trot has a long tradition of running in Troy,” said event direc-
tor George Regan. “We’ve touched four generations now. A lot of people come back to their families and plan on running it every year.”
The Troy Turkey Trot consists of a 10k race, followed by the Grade School Mile, the Turkey Walk, and at 10 a.m., the 5k race. This year’s races saw 6,425 runners and walkers take part.
Kevin Makarewicz of Clifton Park talked his older brother Zach into running the 10K. Both played sports while at Shenendehowa High School but neither ran track or cross country.
“This is my first year where I on my own, part of the real world, so I thought we should run the race,” Kevin Makarewicz said. “We wanted to sign up to see who wins. It’s nice to help out the food bank at holiday time too.
“It’ll be no problem for me as long as I don’t see (Zach) in front of me.”
Toni Howard of Waterford admitted she talked her best friend McKenzie Robillard of Latham into running the event.
“We’re running because we can,” Howard said. “We’re thankful we can do it. We’re making memories. It’s iconic.”
“We’re thankful we have a good home and good food and we’re making sure the money goes to a good cause,” Robillard cimed in.
After the 10k race started it took about an hour before runners for the 5k began filing into the Uncle Sam Atrium. For this race many were in costume.
Ben Nelson of Colonie came dressed as Santa Claus. He was one of the first to have his photo taken for the costume contest.
“I’ve run this the last three years,” he said. “I like traditions. I never thought of skipping it because of the cold weather.”
Tim Christensen of East Greenbush came decked out in a full turkey costume.
“You only live once man,” he said. “It’s a fun community event, a chance to let your hair down.”
As Gabriella Broga and her sister Angelina walked by, dressed as Yam 1 and Yam 2, Christensen jumped between them for a photo. Angelina Broga acknowledged that her sister was the runner of the two.
“She runs so I decided to do it with her,” she said.
“If you live in upstate New York you never know what to expect,” Gabriella added. “When I ran last year I didn’t think it could get any colder.”
Most of those who ran in Thursday’s races had done some running before but there were some first timers in this race too.
Erin Napoleone, the owner of Choice Physical Therapy in Troy, got to know some of them quite well. She was one of two trainers for the Turkey Trot’s Training Challenge, a program that began in mid-September.
After starting out with 60 second jogs followed by 90 second walks at the first session, Napoleone saw her group of 54 transform into runners ready to take on a 5k challenge.
“It’s so amazing to see the change,” she said. “I love coaching this group. To see them struggle at week one and them compete in a race at week 10 is just a great feeling. It’s inspiring.”
The goal for this year’s event was to raise $15,000 for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House and Shelter, a Troy-based notfor-profit with a mission to prevent and alleviate homelessness.
Regan said the goal had been exceeded.
The Food Bank helps assist more than 300,000 people each year by providing supplies to food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters in 23 counties
“The money from the Turkey Trot is very important to us,” said Executive Director Mark Quandt in a video for the Turkey Trot. “When runners choose to make a donation it helps individuals and families in need in the community.”
The benefit from the run was much the same with Joseph’s House and Shelter.
“The funds from the Turkey Tot allow us to keep our doors open 24 hours, helps us with staffing and allows us to provide three, free, hot meals for anybody who needs it,” said Executive Director Kevin O’Connor.