Devola turkey trot sets record
More than 300 participate in annual Devola Thanksgiving event
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Breaking attendance records, the third annual turkey trot in Devola, had more than 300 local residents and visiting family wrapping their way around Lawton and River roads Thursday morning.
"We had many more pre-register than in the two previous years," said Diane Gottfried, one of the organizers representing the East Muskingum Community Association. "We're very happy with the turnout, we ran out of bibs and it's almost like a whole Devola family reunion."
For some the race kicked off the annual family get-together, bringing in cousins from across the globe.
"We have some from California, South Carolina, Chicago, Brazil and Washington D.C. all here," explained Anne Keegan, of Devola. "Four are my children but I come from a family of eight."
Keegan's son Nate ran the trot last year with shiny metallic pants, a sight repeated this year by the whole slew of cousins.
"He bought them all cutlets, that's what he calls those pants," laughed Anne's brother Dave Wesel who was taking pictures of the family along the side as they took off with the whole group of runners, walkers and dogs trotting along beside their owners.
"All of the cousins come back for Thanksgiving, it's our family tradition and it always starts with a turkey trot and those shirts that say we run for grandma's cheesy taters."
And though some runners took the five kilometers seriously, others were simply out in turkey and pie hats to build up an appetite for the big family meal later.
"But whatever gets people moving, I'm all about," said Amanda Mercer, 28, of Devola, after she took the first place spot overall for women with a time of 19 minutes and 11 seconds.
"It's a great opportunity to get in some training especially since I live right here in Devola and I'm all about supporting local races."
Scott Burnham, 29, of Lowell, took first place overall and for the men running with a time of 18 minutes and 17 seconds.
"This was a great alternative to running in Parkersburg too," he said. "And to have a family-friendly event that you don't have to cross the river for is great."
Both Burnham and Mercer were the recipients of the top prize for the turkey trot, each awarded a frozen turkey for their speed.
The race was sponsored by Riverview Credit Union, Teri Ann's, Buckeye Carpet Outlet, Ameriturf, Black's Tree Service, Northwestern Mutual and Elliott Financial Group with music and the race clock provided by DJ Associates Entertainment.