Sewickley Valley YMCA, Heritage Valley Health System Thanksgiving tradition trots on
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A little rain did not dampen the spirits of participants in the eighth annual Sewickley Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.
About 1,900 people took part in the race organized by the Sewickley Valley YMCA and Heritage Valley Health System.
It benefits the Y’s Faith in Action program, which matches elderly people with drivers who take them to doctor appointments and medical treatments.
“We’re thrilled that this has become such a tradition for the community and look forward to organizing it every year,” said Trish Hooper, CEO of the Sewickley Valley YMCA. “The proceeds from the race help us to provide a critical service to the elderly in our community who rely on Faith in Action to get to their doctor appointments. It’s truly a win-win.”
Organizers said this event out-paced last year’s trot in terms of runners and funds raised.
Heritage Valley Health System Foundation executive director Kim Anastas said 1,749 people participated in the trot last year and raised about $38,000.
This Thanksgiving, 1,904 runners raced from War Memorial Park, along Sewickley streets and back to raise at least $45,000.
Anastas and Norm Mitry, CEO of Heritage Valley Health System, awaited trotters at the finish line.
Medals were given out to first, second and third place finishers in various divisions. Some participants dressed as turkeys.
“It was such a pleasure to be around people who braved not just the cold, but the rain this year,” Mitry said. “It was fun because people were doing it for a good cause. They were doing it for tradition, and they were doing it because they wanted to start the day in a fun healthy way. I can’t think of a better way to start Thanksgiving morning. Sewickley is the kind of community where people would be out on their porches cheering for you to go by. It’s really nice.”
This was Anastas’ second Turkey Trot.
She admitted to being a little grumpy the first time having to get up shortly after dawn to trade a warm and cozy house and pajamas for winter gear and temperatures in the 30s to watch people run.
However, the atmosphere and people’s spirits provided a lot of energy.
“I was so energized by it that I was really looking forward to this year,” Anastas said. “I loved it last year, too. Don’t get me wrong. Once I got there and saw the people and realized the atmosphere I thought this was a great tradition for some people and what a wonderful way to start Thanksgiving Day. You’re burning off your calories before you consume them.”
The Turkey Trot has been one of the major fundraising events for Heritage Valley for more than a decade.
Anastas said the partnership with the YMCA made it easier to market the event while continuing its support of the Sewickley facility’s popular program.
Faith in Action serves the communities of Ambridge, Cornell, Moon Area and Quaker Valley school districts.
Anastas said a lot of Heritage Valley patients benefit from the program, which also connects seniors to other resources besides transportation.
More information is available online at sewickleyymca.org/faith-in-action.