COLD TEMPS, WARM HEARTS: Arctic weather can’t stop Turkey Trot runners
Canton Turkey Trot For A Cause participants listen to Mike Murray explain the origins of the event that raises money for the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.
On a holiday morning perfect for sleeping in, over 1,000 people braved 14-degree wind chills Thanksgiving morning to participate in the annual Canton Turkey Trot For A Cause, an event that raises much-needed funds for the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan.
Participants ranged in age from 4 to 87 — some of them wearing eye-catching turkey hats and full-body turkey costumes.
Among the runners were three members of Canton’s Hoban family — dad John and sons Liam and Jack.
“Last year we participated for the first time because we wanted to run in a turkey trot and this one was close to home,” said John Hoban. “Prior to last year’s event, we learned how powerful and moving this turkey trot is … it gave us a better understanding about what this race is all about, which is why we signed up again this year.”
Burning calories comes in handy
In addition to helping a great cause, Pioneer Middle School student Jack Hoban said he enjoys running in the 5K portion of the race for other reasons.
“Later today, if someone tells me to slow down on eating so much pumpkin pie, I can tell them, ‘I already ran today. I’m fine’,” he said, smiling.
John Hoban said the frigid forecast — winds were whipping so hard, flags along the run’s route were horizontal — couldn’t dissuade him and his sons from setting their alarm clocks early to attend the event that started and ended at Canton’s Summit on the Park.
“We didn’t hesitate at all about coming how here despite the temperatures,” John Hoban said. “We know it’s for a great cause and we’re all excited to be able to participate.”
Runners from 4- to 87-years-old
For the record, 22-year-old Canton resident Talha Syed placed first overall with a sterling time of 15 minutes, 17.14 seconds — roughly 37 seconds faster than runner-up Jacob Young of Madison, Wisconsin.
The top female finisher was 16-year-old Canton resident Bridget Fidkowski, who crossed the finish line with a time of 20:13.4.
The youngest participant was 4-year-old J. Halewicz, while the most-seasoned runner was 87-year-old Ann Arbor resident Mary Marcantonio.
Age aside, all 1,000-plus participants had one common denominator: A desire to help a great cause, regardless of weather conditions that were better suited for sled dog racing.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
