Throggs Neck Benevolent Society Turkey Trot raises money

The Throggs Neck Benevolent Society held its 13th annual Turkey Trot roadrunners race this holiday season, raising both money and awareness for cancer screening and treatments, and neighbors afflicted with all the different forms of the malady.

Organizers held the 5k run on the boardwalk at Orchard Beach and the trails around Hunter Island in Pelham Bay Park on Saturday, November 22. 185 participants made the race a huge success, and were treated to an after party with free food served to the runners and other revelers courtesy of the Fiddler’s Elbow at 3718 E. Tremont Avenue.

While the weather was brisk, the spirit of camaraderie present among the runners honoring a young Bronx woman who died of melanoma in 1996 was strong and firm. The Turkey Trot honored Geraldine Crowley-Crokin, a young mother who past away just two years after being married, and one year after giving birth to a son, Patrick.

“The race is a good way to continue the mission of the TNBA and to reflect on Geraldine’s life,” said Karin O’Conner of the TNBA. “She was a sweat young woman who had just had a son when she passed away. She found out that she had cancer when she was pregnant, and decided to take the baby to term.”

The male winners of the race were Harold Cargain, who won first-place, pacing in at 17:34, Chris O’Brien, who at just 14-years-old ran the 5k course in 19 minutes and 57 seconds, and Alfonso Scannopieco, who came in third among all male runners with a time of 20:14.

The female winners of the race were Danielle Zakrzwski who came in first place with 25:20, Maureen Carroll who was second with a time of 25:55, and Tracey Crowley who won third place at 26:00.

The youngest racer, Michael O’Brien, brother of Chris, is 13-years-old and posted a time of 27:48. The most experienced runner, but definitely not the oldest, was Joe Kimmel.

Despite the listing of the winning times the real winners were everyone who came out to support their neighbors, realizing cancer can affect anyone.

The turnout was the largest ever in the history of the event. In addition to the kindness of Fiddler’s Elbow, other Throggs Neck restaurants donated a keg of beer each to help defray the cost of the after party. Those restaurants were Patty Doherty’s, Patrick’s Pub, Alfie’s Place, The Clipper, The Wicked Wolf, and Bridges.

“The day was spectacular – from individuals running, families pushing children in wagons, the after-party, and all the volunteers who made the Trot successful – ultimately raising money for our neighbors in need,” O’Conner stated. “We are so proud to be part of such a strong, vibrant community!”

hroggs Neck Benevolent Society, Turkey Trot