WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — Over 1,800 people participated in Eastbay’s annual Turkey Trot, a 5k run to help keep off the pounds of your Thanksgiving Day meal.
The family-run that included adults, children, and even some furry friends helps to raise money for a good cause. This year the proceeds for the Turkey Trot are going to the Hunger Coalition of Marathon County and organizers expect to raise more money than last year’s $52,000 donation.
Turkey Trot host and organizer Ben Lee told WAOW-TV how special the event is for the community. “To be up early and to be here and watch how much money gets raised and then how much food gets donated in today’s event is all so awesome,” said Ben Lee, the event host, and organizer. “It’s not only an opportunity for us to be thankful for everything we have but an opportunity to give back to our community.”
Many familiar faces were in the crowd, including News Nine meteorologist Mike Breunling. Allison Oliphant of Eau Claire expressed the sentiment of the run is like a community. “I just love all these crazy people out here doing this. I think we see a lot of the same faces and everyone is out here for a good cause.”
The 5K began at 8:30 on Thanksgiving morning. The fastest runner finished in just over 16 minutes.
