It was an action-packed race to the finish line Thanksgiving morning as hundreds of runners laced up their shoes and braced the cold for Porter-Starke’s annual 5K Turkey Trot race.
The Turkey Trot is a holiday staple event in the Valparaiso community for many reasons. It’s Porter-Starke’s biggest fundraiser for its behavioral and physical services, while also allowing Region athletes to get in some exercise and fresh air ahead of a delicious meal with loved ones.
"I enjoy everybody getting outside bright and early to do something good for themselves," said Drew Vesling, a runner in Thursday's race.
The Turkey Trot has proven itself to be a successful race time after time, with many always eager to show up to get some steps in on the Thanksgiving holiday. However, it takes more than just the runners to bring the race to life each year – none of this would be possible if it weren’t for the crew working hard behind the scenes each year: the volunteers.
“Each year we have nearly 200 volunteers to make the Valparaiso Turkey Trot successful,” said Taylor O’Neal, Porter-Starke marketing specialist and Starke County grant coordinator. “Volunteers help provide a fun and safe experience for our participants as they support the health and wellness of Northwest Indiana residents.”
These 200 volunteers take on a plethora of roles before, during, and after the Turkey Trot to make sure all runs smoothly throughout the race. From setting up, cheering on the runners as they make their way through the course, helping at the start and finish lines, passing out water, and more, volunteers play a crucial role in each and every Turkey Trot race.
“Giving back to the community is very important in any way you can,” said Vesling.
As a ten year volunteer, Robyn Walsworth was excited to come back and do it all again for this year's Turkey Trot helping put up signs to direct runners. Being able to volunteer means a lot, especially in the season of giving, and Walsworth was looking forward to helping fellow community members out as they gobbled their way through the city’s streets for the run.
“I like coming here and seeing all of my friends who are running. I don't run, so I might as well wake up early and help out all of the good people at Porter-Starke,” said Walsworth.
The athletes definitely felt the support of these volunteers as they made their way through the course. The volunteers have always brought a special atmosphere to the Turkey Trot, and their enthusiastic energy is what truly brings it all together for a successful Turkey Trot each year.
Along with the numerous volunteers and runners, Porter-Starke would like to extend a gracious thank you to its many sponsors who have helped make this year’s Turkey Trot possible: Premier sponsor Urschel Laboratories; Leader Sponsors First Merchants Bank, 1st Source Bank, Hightower Great Lakes, M.E. Simpson Co., Inc, Streamline Healthcare, That’s It, UnitedHealthcare, and U.S. Federal Credit Union; Partner sponsors Albanese, Burke Costanza & Carberry Attorneys At Law, Cavanaugh & Nondorf Orthodontics, Extra Mile Fitness Company, Kankakee Valley REMC, Larson-Danielson Construction Company, Midwest Center for Youth and Families, Patton Law, Phil & Son, Inc., and Von Tobel; and Advocate Sponsors Pratt Industries and Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics.
For more information about Porter-Starke Services, please visit porterstarke.org.