Over 2,000 people participated in the 8th Annual Valparaiso Turkey Trot 5k run/walk and 10k run on Nov. 24, 2011 Thanksgiving morning. For the second year in a row, the event was hosted by the Porter-Starke Services Foundation with the proceeds from the race to benefit mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention and prevention services in our community.
Since taking over hosting duties of the race, the Foundation has seen the number of participants double in just two years; from just over 900 participants in 2009 to over 2,000 in 2011.
“Porter-Starke Services Foundation is very fortunate to be a part of and grow this holiday tradition,” said Jessica McFadden, Foundation Coordinator. “The dedication from our staff, board members, volunteers and all of our runners and walkers has just been exceptional,” said McFadden.
T&H Timing timed the race for the eights straight year. Heather Henderlong co-hosted the inaugural event and has since she joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “We’re thrilled to see this race and the number of active runners continue to increase; it’s exciting,” said Henderlong.
This event is the last race in the Gold Cup Series.
As part of the registration form, the Foundation asks people to list what they are thankful for. The responses are listed on a slideshow that plays in the field house before and after the race.
“The Thanksgiving Holiday is all about coming together as a family and a community,” said Elliot Miller, Director of Marketing & Development for Porter-Starke Services. “We ask people to focus on the positives in their life. Some of the responses are very moving,” said Miller.
Results will be available at www.thtiming.com or visit www.porterstarke.org.
Click here for photos of the 5K race, and click here for photos of the 10K race!