About 1,400 attend first live Turkey Trot since pandemic

Competitors in this year's Turkey Trot had an extra reason to be grateful — they were able to run against each other.

For the first time in two years, nearly 1,400 runners, joggers and walkers dressed in their best Thanksgiving apparel were able to gather in person Thursday morning for the 13th annual United Way Turkey Trot.

The event, which is a 5K run held at Bradley Park, was held virtually last year because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

More: Town of Palm Beach United Way Turkey Trot is live again

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Cara Coniglio McClure, the co-chair of the race, welcomed participants and supporters with her opening remarks.

“We want to thank each and every one of you because not only are you participating in an amazing race this holiday morning, but you’re also helping provide Thanksgiving meals to 4,167 Palm Beach County residents today,” she said.

Bradley Park came alive at 6:30 a.m. as the sun rose — raising temperatures to the mid-70s as participants filled the green lawn.

Many competitors, town officials and members of the Town of Palm Beach United Way said they were ecstatic to return to the park where the Thanksgiving tradition took place. Their long embraces and overwhelming support for one another were evident.

“I’m just so happy to have such a big group back,” said Mackenzie Mettille, a 24-year-old Gypsum, Colo., native who was the first to cross the finish line — a repeat of the result from the 2019 race. “It was a good run. It’s really humid down here and very hot, but overall, I felt really good.”

Turkey Trot raises more than $118,000 to provide Thanksgiving meals

As a result of this year's race, $118,328 was raised to provide Thanksgiving meals to 4,176 children and adults across 32 nonprofit agencies in Palm Beach County. The funds were raised through registration fees and donations from 57 sponsors and donors.

Participants from around the country and throughout Florida met at the starting line, many of them being first-timers of the event.

James Sanderson, a West Palm Beach local, said he runs along Palm Beach roads every single day, but decided to register for the 5K for the first time this year.

He started running again during the global lockdown in the spring of 2020, when there wasn’t much to do outside of the house.

For Trisha Mohl, 51, this year’s Turkey Trot was her first in-person event. She took part in the virtual run last year.

“It feels good to be able to do this around other people,” she said.

Before the race, participants could compete in a costume contest for a chance to win a one-night stay at the Four Seasons, or enter a raffle ticket for a chance to win $100 gift cards and dining experiences.

In order to avoid close-up encounters, participants received medals in goody bags at the race's check-in table near the Bradley Park Pavilion instead of receiving them as they crossed the finish line.

Trophies were awarded to first-place winners in each of the race’s age groups:

*Paris Stankewich was the overall female runner, crossing the finish line at the 20:05 mark.

*Ashton Wenger and Rosie Goldberg placed first in the male and female 9 and under categories.

Despite the absence of face painting and balloon-making this year, there were other activities for children. Kids from ages 8 and under darted across the park’s main field during the Drumstick Dash alongside fire rescue employees dressed in full gear.

With 50 first responders and 25 town employees who participated, Aleese Kopf, Palm Beach United Way director of marketing and communications, said the annual race is more than just a race but a community event that is constantly growing.

United Way's Turkey Trot has grown in popularity in past 12 years

In 2009, the race had just 63 participants. The United Way now has to turn people away from registration due to the high demand for spots.

“This tradition is really important to the United Way,” said Beth Walton, president and chief executive officer of Palm Beach United Way. “We feed families for Thanksgiving. The more participants we can have, the more people we can feed.”

She said last year’s event did not have as many participants due to the virtual format. Yet, that virtual Turkey Trot brought in over 600 participants and raised $85,625.

“I can never express this enough. I never think I am going to be blown away by people’s generosity because I have done this for so long,” she said. “But every year, I am just so amazed by how generous the people on this island are, and how people come together to do this for the cause. The generosity blows me away.”

On a day dedicated to showing gratitude, people from across the country and around the county coming together to help those who may not have much makes the Turkey Trot even more meaningful.

“It’s an amazing display of holiday spirit,” said Mary Freitas, chairman of the board of trustees. “The Turkey Trot truly encompasses what Thanksgiving is all about — gathering with friends and family, and giving back to those in need. We are so thankful for the support of our sponsors, participants and the Palm Beach community.”

rharper@pbpost.com

@rachida_harper

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Turkey Trot makes live return after virtual event last year