Tuscarawas County YMCA Turkey Trot raises record amount

The Tuscarawas County YMCA’s 54th Turkey Trot 5K fundraiser drew a record number of participants and raised a record amount for the Y’s annual campaign, despite cold temperatures and early-morning flurries on Thanksgiving Day.

Xander Heil of Uhrichsville was the overall male winner with a time of 15:57.  of Mineral City was the overall female winner with a time of 19:03.

The race drew 1,172 registered participants, ranging in age from 3 to 88.

Medals were awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each age category. The top three male and female overall finishers received a turkey plushie with their medal, while the overall winners also received a yard display sign.

The YMCA said volunteers played a key role in the event’s success, helping with packet preparation, registration and serving as road warriors cheering on participants along the route.

“A huge thank you to everyone who was here on Wednesday night and Thanksgiving morning,” said race director Ryan Hursey. “Even though the weather was cold, our racers brought a festive family atmosphere and fun was had by all.”

The YMCA said the event brought together runners, walkers, families, pets and community supporters to raise funds for programs and services. A record $33,961 was raised for the Y’s annual campaign, which provides financial assistance to youth and families in Tuscarawas County for memberships and programs such as preschool, afterschool care, swim lessons, youth sports, gymnastics, summer day camp and Teen Leaders Club.

The YMCA thanked its main event sponsors: Denney Plastics Machining, Dover Exchange Club, Dover Moose Lodge 707, First Federal Community Bank, ProVia and Wendy’s.

For more information about the Turkey Trot or the annual campaign, contact the Tuscarawas County YMCA at 330-364-5511 or email Jenny@tuscymca.org. The Tuscarawas County YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.