65th Troy Turkey Trot Sets New Participation Record

More than $12,000 Raised for Northeast Regional Food Bank, Troy Boys and Girls Club, and Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club

TROY, NY (Nov. 22, 2012) — On a day set aside for Capital Region families to come together and give thanks, a record setting 8,290 participants descended upon the home of iconic Uncle Sam this morning for the 65th annual Troy Turkey Trot, America’s 12th oldest road race.

Following a new schedule that ensured that runners had plenty of time to get home to prepare for Thanksgiving Day celebrations with their loved ones, the event got underway at 8 a.m. with the 10K, which also doubled as USATF Adirondack’s 10K Championship.

During the 6.2-mile run, which followed an out-and-back course along River Street and attracted a record-setting 10K field of 1,123 competitive runners from Plattsburgh to the Hudson Valley, Kevin Treadway (24, Albany, NY) captured the prestigious crown in 31:23 and the accompanying $250 first place prize. First across the line in the female division was Kristina Gracey (29, Guilderland, NY), who also earned a $250 payday with a time of 37:04.

At the 10K’s conclusion, a record-setting field of 5,747 then gathered on Fourth and Fulton Streets to participate in the day’s main attraction, the 5K. The runners, many of whom were bedecked in colorful costumes ranging from Santa Claus to Spiderman, were in a celebratory mood as they hit their stride along River Street, which was lined with thousands of cheering spectators.

The first male to hit the 5k finish tape at Monument Square was Macky Lloyd, 22, of Voorheesville, NY, who tied the course record of 15:05 set by Zachary Predmore in 2008. Female bragging rights went to Erin Gillingham, 21, of New York City who crossed the tape in 17:59.

In an effort to help bring families even closer together, organizers included eight 5K family divisions. Winners in these categories included: mother/daughter (Kelly and Katie Pasko); mother/son (Christine and Jared Capuano); father/daughter (Kevin Rose and Eileen OConnor); father/son (Joshua and Michael Farrell); sister/sister (Carolyn and Samantha Pellegrini); brother/brother (Jacob and Jordan Johnson); brother/sister (Robert and Carolyn Herkenham); and, husband/wife (Shaun and Trish Horan).

Earlier that morning, 726 kids took part in the Grade School Mile, a fun, non-timed participatory event for those in the 8th grade and below. Meanwhile, 571 opted to burn off their pre-meal calories at a slower pace by tackling the Turkey Walk, a one-mile fitness walk that followed the same course as the Grade School Mile and finished on River Street at Monument Square.

As usual, Troy Turkey Trot participants gave generously to charities that help improve the quality of life for thousands of Capital Region residents. More than $12,000 was raised for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, the Troy Boys & Girls Club and the Lansingburgh Boys & Girls Club. Hundreds of participants and spectators also brought a non-perishable food item to the Troy Atrium to give to local food pantries.

“Family time is the best gift you can get,” said Event Director George Regan, who returned to direct operations after a two-year hiatus. “We’re thrilled that so many families signed up today, helping us to shatter the Trot’s 64-year participation record. Today’s turnout will undoubtedly improve upon our current ranking as the 11th largest Turkey Trot in the nation.”

“What makes the Troy Turkey Trot so unique is that it offers something for everyone,” added Troy Mayor Lou Rosamilia, who soaked up Troy’s historic architecture as a participant in the Turkey Walk. “It really is a community event in its truest form.”

Event sponsors include Hannaford Supermarkets; SportsSignup; Pioneer Bank; Wm. J.Fagan & Sons, Inc.; Maccio Physical Therapy; CDPHP; Bryce Real Estate; The Record; and FOX23 News; B95.5 fm; and, FLY 92.3 fm.

For full results and photos, visit troyturkeytrot.com.

10K Open Results

MEN 10k RESULTS

WOMEN 10K RESULTS

1. Kristina Gracey Guilderland NY OVRALF 29F 37:04
2. Renee Tolan Clifton Park NY OVRALF 38F 37:17
3. Jessica Sherry Loudonville NY OVRALF 21F 38:31
4. Michelle Binsfeld Clifton Park NY F30-34 33F 38:40
5. Gretchen Oliver Guilderland NY F35-39 38F 39:03
6. Anne Benson Clifton Park NY F45-49 47F 39:37
7. Carly Page Buffalo NY F 25-29 27F 39:33
8. Meghan Lapoint Schenectady NYF20-24 23F 39:47
9. Kristen Quaresimo RensselaerNYF25-29 28F 40:03
10. Heather Sayre Pattersonville NY F20-24 23F 40:19

5K Open Results

MEN 5k RESULTS

1. Macky Lloyd Voorheesville NY OVRALM 22M 15:05
2. Aliaksandr Leuchanka Albany NY OVRALM 21M 15:26
3. Justin Wager State College PA OVRALM 24M 15:34
4. Anthony Marois Waterford NY M20-24 21M 15:42
5. Jacob Johnson Albany NY M15-19 15M 15:54
6. Sam Jr Dikeman Altamont NY M20-24 23M 15:54
7. Birant Akbay Niskayuna NY M20-24 24M 16:02
8. James Doran Troy NY M20-24 20M 16:06
9. Eamonn Coughlin Castleton On Hudson NY M15-19 19M 16:15
10. Jordan Johnson Albany NY M 15-19 16M 16:18

WOMEN 5k RESULTS

1. Erin GillinghamNew YorkNYOVRALF21F17:59
2. Danika SimonsonClifton ParkNYOVRALF20F18:18
3. Mollie Turner Chesapeake VA OVRALF 32F18:21
4. Kelly Pasko Castleton NY F15-19 17F18:33
5. Lauren Cummings New York NY F30-34 33F18:49
6. Trish Horan Norwich NY F 25-29 28F 18:54
7. Jacob Caruso Latham NY F15-19 16F 19:07
8. Audrey Martino Watervlie tNY F01-14 14F 19:10
9. Grace Giampaglia Voorheesville NY F20-24 21F 19:34
10. Julia Champagne Glenmont NY F15-19 16F 19:40

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About the Troy Turkey Trot
Now in its 65th 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 more than 7,500 participants from 36 states 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. For more information, visit www.TroyTurkeyTrot.com.

All photos by Chris Shields