The final numbers are in! Burbank YMCA’s Thanksgiving Turkey Trot event, on November 24, 2011, was a huge runaway success, according to officials. Here’s the news release with details, sent out yesterday by Burbank Y’s Susan Sebastian.
The Burbank Community YMCA Turkey Trot Has a Fast Start
(Burbank, CA, December) – The second annual Burbank Community YMCA Turkey Trot took place on Thanksgiving morning. Over 1,400 runners arrived very early to perfect “running weather” to start their Thanksgiving holiday off on a healthy note.
The diverse crowd was made up of elite runners, first time runners, families and kids, several dressed in turkey hats and as pilgrims all taking part in the 10K, 5K or Kids Fun Run. As Third Street filled with runners for the start of the race, CEO, JC Holt remarked, “This is just fantastic. The Y wanted to create a healthy event for the community to take part in. Seeing this kind of turn out means we’re on the right track.”
Before the runners took their mark, an announcement was made that Servicemen in Afghanistan from Burbank had ordered shirts from the event and were running overseas to be part of this new community tradition. As Bobbi Cranston sang the national anthem and Mayor Jess Talamantes made an opening statement the emotional crowd cheered our local servicemen and the anticipation of the race’s start.
For Financial Development Director, Philip Di Nova seeing the race begin was the culmination of months of planning. Said Di Nova, “We anticipated signing up around 1,200 runners and walkers since it was our second year, but to reach over 1,400 participants is remarkable. I credit the Burbank community for supporting us and the race community in general. It’s a great follow up to last year.”
In addition to a record number of runners, the Turkey Trot was fortunate to have well over 100 volunteers donate their time on a holiday morning. Said Holt, “Burbank is famous for its philanthropic spirit and today is just one more example of this great community rallying behind a worthwhile cause.” Funds from the Turkey Trot will benefit the Burbank Community YMCA’s Financial Assistance program which enables all people to join the Y, regardless of an inability to pay for membership.
Sponsors for the Turkey Trot included the Cusumano Real Estate Group and Downtown Burbank Business Partners, along with 25 other companies and organizations.
Crossing the finish line first, after completing the 10K run were Jacques Salberg and Liliana Hernandez. The 5K winners included: Michael Thatcher and Sascha Scott. The highest finishing Y Members were Ethan Moskowitz who finished 6th overall in the 10K and Miossi Haviland who finished 26th overall in the 5K.
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.
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