For local runners early on Thanksgiving Day, there were three pressing questions:
>How fast can I go today?
>How much turkey can I eat this afternoon?
>How did two races – one old, one new — just a few miles apart do in terms of participants?
Finish times and food capacity are rather arbitrary, but we can definitely provide a finite answer to No. 3.
Both had sell-out fields.
We’re referring to the Bucks County Roadrunners Club’s 35th annual Thanksgiving Day Five-Miler/5K in Middletown and the inaugural Newtown Turkey Trot 5K.
BCRR’s event was filled to slightly above its capacity of 1,200 for the 2024 T-Day competition and repeated that number this past Nov. 27.
The Newtown race, initiated to honor the memory of fallen Newtown police officer Brian Gregg, exceeded it’s projected number of 400 runners by actually drawing 600.
There had been some anxiety over whether there would be enough runners to go around. Turns out both races did extremely well. The BCRR race actually had runners still trying to get in late into the registration process. Likewise Newtown.
“It was the second year in a row we had a sellout but last year we had rain,” said Tim Bulat of BCRR. “This year we had beautiful weather.”
Both races raised more than $20,000 for worthy charities.
The Turkey Trot’s large field was a pleasant surprise considering it was an inaugural event.
“We had to shut off registration because we didn’t have any more shirts or medals,” said Chris Seiler, owner of Always Advancing Company, which just so happens to produce shirts and medals.
“It was all good, a good day. Thank goodness it wasn’t Friday with all the wind.”
The Turkey Trot provided a $20K donation to the Bucks County Heroes Scholarship Fund.
The BCRR race contributes to worthy causes, including Give-a-Christmas (Langhorne Kiwanis and Bucks County Courier Times), Advocates for Homeless and Those in Need (AHTN) and the Middletown Community Foundation.
Through the Middletown Community Foundation, BCRR gives back to the community on whose streets the race is held. With this year’s donations, BCRR’s cumulative charitable giving since the race’s inception will reach approximately $350,000.
Race day operations are a coordinated effort between volunteers and the Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD).
“It takes a village to pull off a race of this size. We’re thankful for the close to 100 volunteers we get each year, including BCRR club members as well as members of the community who chip in to help make this race a success,” co-race director John O’Brien said.
“As the race has grown, the MTPD has been a really valuable partner, helping us adjust the course to expand capacity, manage traffic, and keep runners safe,” Bulat said.
Co-race director Rich Kanak is appreciative of the sponsors’ support.
“We are thankful for the community support we receive every year,” Kanak said. “Each year we have upwards of 20 local sponsors who provide promotional material and digital ads that we distribute to our participants, as well as financial contributions that make up a good percentage of our overall charitable contributions. They also participate on race day by setting up tables and tents promoting their business.” This year’s winners were Alex Carideo in the men’s 5-mile (26:00), Elizabeth Koloski in the women’s 5-mile (30:11), Liam Kennedy in the men’s 5K (15:48), and Nora Ritting in the women’s 5K (19:15).
Cain Lawler of Southampton was runner-up in the men’s 5-mile with a 26:39 and third was Chris Campbell of Philadelphia in 26:53. In the women’s 5-mile, Eden Panchison of Newtown took second in 32:39 and Bailey Hall of Morrisville placed third in 33:04. Also of note: Amanda Heaning, 41, was the master’s winner and took fifth overall in 37:09.
In the men’s 5K, Sean Harbison of Bensalem took second in 18:26 and Joseph Villante of Warminster came home third in 18:42. Masters winner Jeremy Rea took fifth overall in 19:31. In the women’s 5K, Livia Loung of Langhorne took second in 19:50 and Riley Schlosser of Newtown was third in 20:34.
Two other perforances of note: Johnny King-Marino, 64, ran an excellent 19:38 and Karen Wheeler, 59, crossed the line in 27:16.
The enthusiasm was just as high at the Newtown race, which saw a number of fast times in near perfect racing weather.
This event has established itself on the racing map and should become a fixture for years to come.
“It was an overwhelming success,” stated race director Carly Bovell. “We initially planned for 300 to 400 runners but by mid-October it became clear that demand far exceeded expectations.
“After registration closed we continued to receive emails and messages from people eager to partcipate.”
Based on the initial turnout, the Newtown Turkey Trot’s future looks bright.
“We look forward to growing this event,” Bovell said. “With a goal of 800-1,000 runners next year and engaging even more local businesses in supporting the Newtown Turkey Trot. We couldn’t have asked for a more successful inaugural year and are excited to build this into a lasting Thanksgiving tredition in Newtown.”
Newtown Turkey Trot top finishers:
Men: 1. Chris Leonard, Feasterville, 16:56; 2. B. Fiori, Harrisburg, 17:45; 3. Noah Faust, New Hope, 18:39.
Women: 1. Claire Pfanstiel, Newtown, 20:35; 2. Kira Logiovine, Lansdale, 20:34; 3. Chrissy Shadle, Doylestown, 21:06.
>Race calendar
>Sunday
BCRR Winter Series Covered Bridge 5K, 9 a.m., Tyler State Park, Newtown. Contact www.runsignup.com
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