SV Track & Field host annual Turkey Chase 5k
The Turkey Chase 5K is returning for its 13th year and organizers are expecting the largest race yet Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 28.
Hosted by the Seneca Valley Cross Country Boosters Club, the race will be held at Graham Park in Cranberry Township. Last year, there were 695 participants, making it the largest 5K in Butler County.
Organizers are expecting to exceed that number in this year’s race.
“It’s a unique race,” Jim Heltzell, president of the boosters club, told the Butler Eagle. “And you’ve got a lot of people from out of town. The course is easy and fast, it’s all paved. It’s not 100% road, there are some sidewalks, it makes for a fast run. The fact it’s on a holiday like this, it allows for people to come in and enjoy it.”
The registration website states you can run or walk on the USA Track & Field Certified 5K course.
Heltzell said people of all ages have participated in past years. Last year, it ranged from kids in grade school, to parents pushing children in strollers, all the way to participants in their early 70s. Plenty of people from out of town visiting family have participated also, with one runner from Sweden as the farthest traveled participant.
Ten percent of the proceeds will go to the Armstrong Breaking Bread Food Distribution Initiative. Registration to participate in the race costs $40 through Nov. 27, with registration the day of the race $45.
The fundraiser is Seneca Valley Cross Country’s largest of the year. Heltzell said it will “set them up” for the coming year.
Awards and medals will be given out to the top three male and female finishers overall, as well as for individual age groups.
Heltzell said he hopes to see another big turnout this year, and that it will be a fun atmosphere.
“This is Seneca Valley Cross Country’s largest fundraiser of the year, it sets them up for next year. We raised a few thousand dollars last year, it’s always a fun atmosphere, we’ve got music blaring on the speakers, and we give out awards and medals. It’s a good time,” Heltzell said.
