Record Turkey Trot raises more than $20,000 for Kiski Area Youth Network
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A record number of runners participated in the annual Kiski Valley Turkey Trot on Thursday.
The run is one of the Kiski Area Youth Network’s largest fundraisers.
The event raised more than $20,000, which is substantially more than in previous years, said Josh Westurn, the organization’s director.
Even though the run is only in its fifth year, Westurn believes it appeals to people in the Alle-Kiski Valley because of the sense of tradition it offers. He said it is humbling to watch it grow so much, and he is grateful for the students who’ve been involved in the preparation.
“I think it always shocks me how many new people we get,” Westurn said. “We’ve gained more and more momentum every year.”
There were 756 participants total, which was about 86 more than last year. That included 686 runners who ran the 5k race, and 70 people participated in the one-mile fun run/walk.
Westurn said the race raised a few thousand more than in past years.
The money will be used for the Kiski Area Youth Network’s operational costs, supporting certain clubs and student groups in the Kiski Area School District, maintaining the network’s weekly “Impact” program at the Vandergrift YMCA and paying employees.
The Kiski Area Youth Network is a collection of churches, organizations and volunteers. The network’s goal is to share youth ministry services with high school students in the region through Bible studies, special events and youth group meetings.
The network is also working toward a $500,000 fundraising goal to renovate and refurbish a Vandergrift building that it bought more than four years ago to turn it into a youth center. Westurn said a capital campaign to improve the space began earlier this year, and the network has raised around $150,000 toward the goal.
“We’re trying to make up that cost in order to make that building a reality,” he said. “We’re really excited about the prospect of being able to grow and have more of an impact.”
The races took place at Kunkle Park in Apollo. Sean McDonnell of Pittsburgh won the men’s race with a time of 16:50, and Spencer Hepler of Apollo won the women’s race with a time of 21:43, according to Duane Prusia, founder of the organization.