6,425 Brave Freezing Conditions To Compete In 71st Troy Turkey Trot
Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 — With temperatures hovering around 8 degrees and wind chills near zero, more than 6,400 runners from 40 states and five nations gathered for a heaping helping of fun, family and fitness this morning at the 71st running of the Troy Turkey Trot.
The day began at 8 a.m. with the area’s only 10K featuring 1,563 participants. Along the out-and-back course, Ryan Udvadia (Albany, NY) outpaced the competition in 31:43 to win the prestigious crown and the accompanying $300 first place prize. First across the line in the female division was Karen Bertasso (Albany, NY), with a time of 37:34, who also earned a $300 payday.
“Hats off to everyone who came out today,” said longtime Event Director George Regan. “Although the day was one of the coldest Thanksgivings on record, it was heartwarming to see so many local families continuing make our annual event part of their Thanksgiving plans.”
Following the 10K’s conclusion, an enthusiastic group of 397 children took to the streets for the Grade School Mile, a fun chip-timed event for children in the 8th grade and below. They were soon followed by 431 participants in the one-mile Turkey Walk.
With many turkeys already roasting away in ovens around the Capital Region, more than 4,000 then toed the line on Fourth and Fulton Streets at 10 a.m. for the 5K. Participants, many of whom took part in the event’s popular costume contest, were cheered along by spectators lining River Street. Kyle Gronostaj (East Greenbush) was the first male to hit the finish tape at Monument Square, with a time of 14:55, a couple seconds off the course record set by Jonathan Aziz (14:53) in 2015. Female bragging rights went to Hannah Reinhardt (Albany, NY), who crossed in 16:39.
Thanksgiving is an opportunity to help less fortunate members of our community and participants donated more than $15,000+ to support the Trot’s charities, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House and Shelter, Inc., a Troy-based not-for-profit whose mission is to prevent and alleviate homelessness. Hundreds of participants and spectators also brought non-perishable food items to give to local food pantries.
“This event continues to be the gold standard of Turkey Trots,” said Troy Mayor Patrick Madden. “The Troy Turkey Trot showcases the athleticism and passion of our local running community and their willingness to give back to those in need during the holidays. Congratulations to our winners and all who participated in this year’s exciting event, and we wish everyone a happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving weekend.”
For results, please click here. For additional photos, please visit Pat Hendrick Photography.
Sponsors include Pioneer Bank; Wm. J. Fagan & Sons; Capital District Honda Dealers; Choice Physical Therapy; CHA Consulting, Inc.; St. Peters Health Partners; The Rosenblum Companies; United Group of Companies; John Ray & Sons; DeCrescente Distributing Company; First Columbia; Hannaford Supermarkets; Garelick Farms; and, Bryce Real Estate.
About the Troy Turkey Trot
Now in its 71st year, the Troy Turkey Trot is the nation’s 12th and world’s 64th oldest road race, as well as the 11th largest Turkey Trot in the nation. The event, which draws as many as 8,000 participants from 37 states and four countries and features a 5K, 10K, Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk, is designed to celebrate fitness, families and tradition against a backdrop of some of Troy’s most historic neighborhoods, as well as raise funds for the Regional Food Bank of NENY and Joseph’s House and Shelter. For more information visit www.troyturkeytrot.com.