Princeton Turkey Trot Raises $40,000 for Area Charities

Snow falls during the 7th annual Turkey Trot in Princeton. Photo: James Scott.
Snow falls during the 7th annual Turkey Trot in Princeton. Photo: James Scott.

 

The seventh annual Princeton Turkey Trot attracted more than 1,650 runners and raised a record-breaking $40,000 for four area charities.

When the snow started falling the day before Thanksgiving, organizers were worried that the race might be canceled. The roads were clear by Thursday in time for the race. A light snow began to fall after the event started.

Showing some Thanksgiving spirit at the Turkey Trot in Princeton. Photo: James Scott.
Showing some Thanksgiving spirit at the Turkey Trot in Princeton. Photo: James Scott.

The event, organized by Trinity Church on Mercer Street, has become a tradition for many area families. It continues to grow each year, both in terms of the number of participants and the dollars raised. The proceeds from the event support The Crisis Ministry of Mercer County, Urban Promise Trenton, Housing Initiatives of Princeton and the Trenton Children’s Chorus. The church also collected canned goods for the Crisis Ministry food pantry.

“The success of the race wouldn’t be possible without participation from the runners and walkers sharing their Thanksgiving morning with us, despite the weather,” said race co-chair Trish Ryan. “Their enthusiasm is contagious; it’s amazing to see families and friends come out together in these numbers to benefit our outreach organizations.”

Ryan said the event has its own special traditions, including a homemade pie raffle inside the church. The church’s pastor,  the Rev. Paul Jeanes, runs the race in his clergy rob beside his two sons.

“It gives our race character you just won’t find at other turkey trots,” Ryan said.

The race was a New Jersey Grand Prix event.

Meghan Bruce (r) of Princeton took first place in the women's division at the 7th annual Turkey Trot in Princeton.
Meghan Bruce (r) of Princeton took first place in the women’s division at the 7th annual Turkey Trot in Princeton. Photo: James Scott.

Richard Harris, 32, of Kendall Park came in first place with a time of  16:42.55.  Rahul Ramesh, 17, of Princeton finished second with a time of 16:56.15. Alexander Roth, 16, of Princeton came in third with a time of  17:25.60.

In the women’s division, Meghan Bruce, 24, of Princeton took first place with a time of 19:36.73. Lauren Hogshire or Princeton took second place with a time of 19:59.92. Adrienne Martelli, 25, of Princeton took third with a time of 20:04.32.

Complete results can be found here.

Race sponsors were: Geopeak Energy, Bai Drinks, RBC Wealth Management, Princeton Pacers Running Store, Efinger Sports, Pinnacle Therapy Services, Callaway Henderson, Sotheby’s International Reality, The Bank of Princeton, Saul Ewing LLP, Howard Azer and Associates, Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, The Ellsworth Family, PNC Bank and Road ID.