An annual pre-Thanksgiving 5K in the Bronx is becoming as popular as a turkey meal.
The Throggs Neck Benevolent Association Turkey Trot is preparing to make it’s way around the Orchard Beach boardwalk and running path this year, with the 16th annual 5K set to take place on Saturday, November 19.
Since November 1995, the event is held in honor of community activist Geraldine Crowley-Crorkin, who passed away in April of that year. While pregnant, Crowley-Crorkin was diagnosed with cancer and passed away after giving birth to a son.
The TNBA is currently accepting applications for the 5K. Pre-registration tickets are being sold until Friday, November 11 at $30, and registration will also take place the morning of the race at $35 a person.
“It’s great to continue to honor Geraldine’s memory and the race remains consistently large every year with over 100 people,” said Karin O’Connor of the TNBA. “It usually all depends on the weather but we are always able to maintain a great crowd of people of all ages to participate. As always, we are excited to be hosting it and we look forward to seeing past and new runners.”
The money raised is placed into the TNBA account and is distributed to local residents and their families who may suddenly suffer from major illnesses and are in need of financial assistance to pay for medical attention.
The Turkey Trot is one of a series of TNBA events that are held to raise money for this account, such as the Triathlon held in June in memory of the TNBA cofounder Tom Garvey.
“We are all part of the middle class and some of us live paycheck by paycheck. We understand how tough it can be, especially when a serious illness develops unexpectedly,” O’Connor said. “If you or your loved one gets sick, the TNBA will help with payments or simply find ways to help. Some people just need a little bit of assistance, and we want to bridge that gap.”
Check-in and late registration will take place on the boardwalk near the food court. Participants will also receive the race route and the race will begin at 11 a.m.
Registration includes the race, a T-shirt and the post-race party, which will be taking place this year at Paddy’s On The Bay at 50 Pennyfield Avenue.
For registration and other information on the Turkey Trot, visit the TNBA website at tnba.blogspot.com.
