750 take to the streets for 40th annual pre-turkey trot

Turkey Day Run
Published: Nov. 24, 2023 at 6:08 AM EST|Updated: 14 hours ago
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WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - Around 750 people started their turkey day off with a trot.

It was the 40th year of the Watertown YMCA Turkey Day Run.

Organizers say the number of runners continues to grow each year, with about 100 hundred more trotters this year than last.

Two special guests were in attendance for Thursday morning’s run: the first two runners to cross the finish line 40 years ago.

The YMCA says the run is a great way to celebrate the food-driven holiday with a healthy start.

“I just love to run in general, and it’s just fun to get out there and run especially early in the morning,” runner Anthony Perry said. “And that way it’s more justified.”

“A healthy way to start on kick off your turkey day holiday,” YMCA deputy CEO Shawna Cutuli said, “so we’re excited to have runners and walkers here.”

This year’s top finishers were Andrew Burns in the men’s category finishing in 17 minutes and 26 seconds and the top female was Emily Burns coming in at 20 minutes and 12 seconds.