The Throggs Neck Benevolent Association’s annual 5k run is set to trot on for a 22nd year.
While no turkeys are actually involved in the TNBA’s Turkey Trot, this fun run/walk is still expected to see another year of scenic views and good company according to TNBA volunteer, Karin O’Connor.
“It’s a really great day for the community to come together to do something athletic and fun,” O’Connor said.
‘Trot-ing’ the weekend before Thanksgiving also comes with helping out the TNBA fundraising efforts.
“We pride ourselves in community spirit, in having fun, staying close as a community, and in ultimately helping our neighbors in need,” O’Connor continued. “What funds we raise off the entrance fee, after minimal cost such as the T-shirts we purchase, we put into our general fund.”
The money from this fund goes to members of the Bronx community who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses or accidents and are struggling to pay medical expenses because their insurance does not cover the full cost or they have no insurance at all.
The TNBA 5K Turkey Trot was started as a way to remember a friend of the TNBA and community activist, Geraldine Crowley-Crorkin, who was diagnosed with cancer while pregnant and passed away after giving birth.
“The whole reason was to keep her memory alive and to honor her and to celebrate her life,” O’Connor added.
Though Crowley-Crorkin was not a recipient of the service the TNBA provides, the organization hopes all their events, including the Turkey Trot, will help spread awareness of the work they do, not just for the Throggs Neck area, but for the entire Bronx community.
This event draws about 250 participants a year depending on the weather, but racers of all ages and athletic abilities are encouraged to make the three mile trek however they can.
“There are lots of people who don’t even run. They come and walk or they take their kids, they take their dogs to participate,” O’Connor continued. “Some of the kids take their bikes.”
For the more competitive runners this year, however, trophies will be awarded to the first, second, and third place male and female finishers.
In previous years, the TNBA awarded the last place competitor with a turkey, but that tradition has since ended.
After the event, participants and supporters can head to the Redwood Pleasure Club on Schurz Avenue for a post-race party.
Pre-registration for this year’s Turkey Trot ends on Friday, November 10, but participants can register on site the day of the event.
On site registrations will only be accepted by cash or check. Registration also includes one T-shirt.
The 22nd annual Turkey Trot is expected to take place rain or shine on Saturday, November 18 in Orchard Beach.
Check in begins at 10 a.m. by the food court with the race starting promptly at 11 a.m.
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