Turkey Trot runners shrug off cold for friendship, holiday spirit
Warmed by family, friendship and holiday spirit, runners and walkers shrugged off the cold Saturday morning, Nov. 7, to join in the annual Butler YMCA Turkey Trot in downtown Butler.
The participants, many of whom embellished their running gear with turkey feathers and pilgrim garb, could run or walk the 1-mile family race, which was followed by the 5K.
At last count, 260 people registered before the family race started. Last year, 198 people registered, said Jamie Knauff, aquatic and program director for the YMCA.
“I’ve run in colder,” said Kate Zajac, before starting the 5K with her 9-year-old son, Harrison. She said she has run three 5K races in Alameda Park.
“We love to run. Harrison plays soccer. This is good training for longer running,” Zajac said.”
“I’m wired up. I’ll be all right,” said Karissa Goth before her first Turkey Trot.
Stephanie Butler and her son, Henley, 8, were getting ready for their first Turkey Trot. She said she runs a lot, but the trot is her second race.
“I actually prefer running in the cold weather,” Butler said. Colder weather results in less sweat and exhaustion, she said.
Danielle Peffer and her 4-year-old son, Colt, were running in their second trot, and she, too, prefers running in colder weather.
“We’ve become regular runners this year,” she said.
First-time turkey trotters Maggie Baynes and her son, Hank Alexander, were ready for the brisk weather.
“We like it because it’s a kick off to the holiday season. I can deal with the cold, but not the rain,” Baynes said.
A group of friends decided to walk the course together to enjoy the outdoors and support the YMCA.
“It’s just a really great way to get together with friends and kick off the holiday,” said Vicki Rohland.
Donna Blasko said her husband died this year and, “I needed to get out and do something.”
Sara Namath she came to join her friends and support the YMCA.
“We got a bigger flock this year,” said Polly Goettler. “We’re not runners. We do it for the fun of it and to support the Y, and we do it together outside.”
