TURKEY TROT
Thanksgiving Day run held in memory of Clifford Reigner
More than 600 runners and walkers started their Thanksgiving Day with a Turkey Trot 5K or 1 Mile Walk at the Boyertown Community Park.
The Wellness Council of Boyertown hosted its 8th annual run and walk in memory of avid sports enthusiast and athlete Clifford Reigner — a long-time supporter of the Boyertown community.
Each year, the race features a Cliff-ism taken from a brochure about Reigner’s life. This year’s Cliff-ism was — “How ya doing?”
“Reigner, who passed in 2015, was very big into Boyertown sports and always loved going to the Boyertown football game on Thanksgiving,” said race organizer Jeff Shondz. “So when they stopped the football game, this race was born to continue the tradition of sports on Thanksgiving.”
Along with the regular fruit and water, participants were also offered CLIF BAR Minis in honor of Reigner.
Proceeds from the family-friendly event support the Wellness Fair, Senior Walking Bingo, yoga, and other community wellness activities.
Shondz said this year is the council’s largest race ever with 612 participants compared to 500 runners last year.
“It’s grown from like just 100 all the way to now over 600.”
Participant Ann Gery of Exeter enjoys running 5Ks, especially holiday events. This was her first year participating in the Boyertown Turkey Trot.
“More people come out for them and the people seem to be in better moods for a good holiday 5K,” said Gery.
Twelve members of the Yetter family ran or walked the Turkey Trot with the
family motto “You run better when you’re a Yetter!”
Reid Hyland of Maryland was one of several runners who dressed as a turkey.
“I had to take the turkey head off because it was too hot,” said Hyland.
A group of friends dressed as a Thanksgiving dinner. Adam Gilbert dressed as cranberry sauce, Sydney Gilbert as a chef, Emily Gilbert as a turkey, Erica Luongo as sweet potatoes, and Rob Sahin as mac & cheese.
“More people come out for them and the people seem to be in better moods for a good holiday 5K.”
— Participant Ann Gery
“I wanted to bring the comedy,” said Emily Gilbert. “This (race) will be painful and I thought this (dressing up) would be fun.”
Jennifer Kovacs and Stephanie Graziano from Allentown looked up “Thanksgiving Turkey Trots” and this was the Boyertown event closest to them.
The Burkhardt Family of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia joined the Boyertown extended family in the Boyertown Turkey Trot for the second year.
“It’s a fun way to start the day with family,” said Joe Burkhardt.
The Vance family Renee; Liam, 13; Gavin, 12; and Nic participated in their first Turkey Trot this year.
“It’s our first time here and this race was phenomenal,” said Nic Vance of Boyertown.
Lucie Bergeyova, a Boyertown teacher, recruited about 25 students to help at the race.
“The students need 10 volunteer hours to graduate,” said Bergeyova.
Among the student volunteers, Katelyn O’Connor, 17; Logan Zimmers, 17; Thomas Huber, 17; and Allyson Bosler, 17, held signs directing runners and walkers along the race route.
The Wellness Council presented 54 trophies to the top male and female runners, three top winners in multiple age brackets, the largest family, the person who traveled the farthest, plus the best costume.
With a time of 17:10, Bryton Henry placed first in this year’s Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Henry also won the 2022 Turkey Trot.
Running in her first 5K, Allie Sparks of Pottstown finished first in the 10 years and under category with a time of 22:19.