72nd Troy Turkey Trot Celebrates Fun, Family and Fitness In Collar City
TROY, N.Y. (Nov. 28, 2019) — On a day set aside for families to give thanks for life’s many blessings, more than 6,400 runners from 36 states (including Puerto Rico) and six nations gathered in Troy earlier today to celebrate the 72nd Troy Turkey Trot.
An annual Collar City staple since 1916, the event began at 8 a.m. with the Capital Region’s only 10K. Ryan Udvadia (of Albany, NY) outpaced 1,495 rivals on the out-and-back course to win the prestigious crown and earn a $300 first place check. Cara Sherman (of Schenectady, NY) was the first female finisher, also earning a $300 payday.
“What makes the Troy Turkey Trot so unique is that it offers something for everyone,” said Troy Mayor Patrick Madden. “It really is a community event in its truest form, bringing together family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the holiday while supporting those in need.”
Following the conclusion of the 10K, 435 children slapped on their own race numbers for the Grade School Mile, a fun chip-timed event for children in the 8th grade and below. They were followed to the start line by 541 participants in the one-mile Turkey Walk, which took families and friends on a leisurely stroll past Troy’s historic architecture.
As meal preparation got underway in kitchens across the region, 3,934 runners, many decked out in colorful costumes, then toed the line for the 5K. Kyle Gronostaj (of East Greenbush, NY) was the first male to cross the finish line at Monument Square, breaking the tape in 14:25 to set a new course record (last set in 2015 by Jonathan Aziz with a time of 14:53). Female bragging rights went to Hannah Reinhardt (of Albany, NY), who crossed the line in 16:18.
Sarah Cipperly, a longtime Trot participant who lives and works in Troy, said the event remains a family favorite.
“I started running the Grade School Mile in elementary school and then moved on to the 5K and 10K,” said Cipperly, a physical therapist. “When I first started my dad would run with me and my brothers and then we continued on ourselves. It’s always been a really special tradition for us — even to the point where my cousins who come from out of town for Thanksgiving run with us too.”
As usual, Trotters gave generously to the event’s two primary charities, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House and Shelter, 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 the Troy Atrium to give to local food pantries.
“We are delighted so many families signed up today,” said Event Director George Regan. “Family participation is truly the foundation of this event and the reason it continues to be so successful.”
For results, finisher certificates and photos, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.
Sponsors include Pioneer Bank; Wm. J. Fagan & Sons, Capital Region Honda Dealers, Fidelis Care, Choice Physical Therapy, CHA, Courtyard by Marriott, River Street Market by First Columbia, DeCrescente Distributing Company, OrthoNY, iCRYO, Hannaford Supermarkets, Garelick Farms, Bryce Real Estate, and KISS 102.3FM.
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About the Troy Turkey Trot
Now in its 72nd 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 celebrates fun, family and fitness against a backdrop of some of Troy's most historic neighborhoods, draws as many as 8,000 participants from 40 states and features a 5K, 10K, Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk, while also raising funds for the event’s two charities, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House and Shelter. For more information, visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.