Everybody start trotting!
The Throggs Neck Benevolent Association’s 15th annual 5k Turkey Trot in honor of deceased community member Geraldine Corkrin Crowley, always held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving at Orchard Beach, is now accepting applications. Anyone in participating in the walk or run on Saturday, November 20, which can be competitive or more leisurely, should contact the TNBA.
Held every year in memory of Corkrin Crowley, who passed after being diagnosed with cancer during a pregnancy and giving birth to a son, the event charts a route on the boardwalk and the trails at the beach. It takes place beginning at 11 a.m. The Trot aims at bringing together a diverse cross section of the community to raise money the TNBA then distributes to people and their families who are suffering from major illnesses, and are in need of financial assistance.
“Money raised goes into our account and is dispersed as needed,” said Chris Dalton of the TNBA. “We help people who don’t have sufficient medical coverage or no coverage at all after they have a catastrophic illness or accident.”
Over the years, the TNBA has helped individuals from Throggs Neck pay medical bills, and helped their families cope financially when a breadwinner is lost. The race is one of the TNBA’s annual events, which also include a Triathlon in memory of TNBA cofounder Tom Garvey that occurs every year in late June. The Trot allows more people from different walks of life to get involved.
“Some families just come out and walk,” Dalton said. “There are women and men pushing baby carriages, and I have seen kids on skates. There are also some serious racers.”
The serious races of all age groups get trophies, Dalton said. He added that the person who comes in last gets a turkey donated by Menna Meats, and the oldest racer also gets a trophy.”
Registration for the Turkey Trot begins at 10 a.m. near the Orchard Beach food court. Race routes will be provided then.
In addition to the race, there will be an after party at Patty Doherty’s at 3363 E. Tremont Avenue. For those who want to attend only the party, the cost is $20. Dalton said he typically sees people from all walks of life on the boardwalk, including retirees, police officers, firefighters, and elementary school-aged kids.
“It is fun,” Dalton stated. “People like to help others. This is a way for them to help other people and enjoy themselves at the same time.”
For more information on the race, visit the TNBA website at tnba.blogspot.com for a registration form.
