More than 200 runners enjoyed the bright sun and crisp autumn air Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Butler County YMCA Turkey Trot.

The organization has held the annual event for more than 30 years, giving the chance for runners both young and old to enjoy the weather, get some exercise and spend time with friends and neighbors.

“We’ve got a 1-mile fundraiser and a 5K,” said Jamie Knauff, aquatics and program director at the Y. “This special event is for both families and competitive runners, so everyone has the chance to participate.”

The race started at 10 a.m., with the runners lining up at the start in front of the YMCA on North Washington Street in Butler. They completed a loop through Butler Memorial Park and headed for the finish line, which was right were they started in front of the Y.

Six-year-old Owen Eldridge ran his first race with his mother, Emily, who has been on a health-improvement journey for the last four years. She is using exercise and occasional runs to help her reach her goals.

“This is my second year running and he’s now old enough to join me,” said Eldridge said of Owen, who said he was “excited” to run the race with his mom.

The Eldridges, of Butler, joined family to run the race, and Emily was happy for the opportunity.

“This is something that I don’t do very often, so it’s something I’m thankful to be able to do,” she said.

Friends McKenzie Reamer and Liz Kalafut, both of Butler, initially planned to run the 5K, but switched to the 1-mile when Kalafut received some exciting news.

“I found out I was pregnant,” said Kalafut, “so we had to change our plans.”

“She wanted to do it, so I joined her,” said Reamer.

Reamer and Kalafut said they were “excited, but anxious” to run in their first Turkey Trot.

“We’ll probably mostly walk, (or) maybe a little run if I get her to do it,” said Reamer.

Butler Area School District student Anthony Stoops and a group of friends ran their second Turkey Trot in memory of their former classmate and friend, Aiden Lutz, who died in October 2023 after being struck while riding his bicycle.

“We’re all running for Aiden again, just like last year,” said Stoops.

Kim Platt, an avid runner from Butler, runs a lot of races, but enjoys the chance to pursue her pastime close to home.

“It’s a beautiful day and for a beautiful cause,” said Platt. “I get to see a lot of friends and family down here, like people you know from the community. It’s fun to run with people you know.”

Olympic dreams brought the Markle family to the event from Center Township. After six-year-old Blair Markle told her family how much she loved watching the Olympic running events this summer, her father Jerrod told her she could sign up for the Turkey Trot.

“I’ve worked at the Y before, so we knew about the Turkey Trot, and we said, ‘There is a race in Butler, and if you wanted to sign up, you could run in it,’” said Jerrod Markle.

Blair’s little sister, two-year-old Margo, got to follow along in her stroller, which was pushed by her mom, Kate Markle.

“Blair has been practicing,” said Kate. “Between soccer and practicing in the neighborhood, she’s ready.”

Proceeds from the event will go toward funding the programs offered by the YMCA, like gymnastics, swimming lessons, basketball and youth programs.

More information on these programs and future events at the Butler County YMCA can be found at bcfymca.org.