BY KARISSA MILLER
Hundreds of families celebrated the start of the Thanksgiving holiday by participating in the 15th annual Turkey Trot 5K race in Mooresville.
Under sunny skies, runners and walkers of all ages and abilities filled the streets Thursday morning — with many sporting their event T-shirts, festive hats and holiday sweaters.
“This is the biggest race we’ve ever had,” said TCM Executive Director Amy LaCount. “As of this morning, we had 2,000 runners signed up. So we are really excited about that.
“It’s great to see the community supporting what we do and having a fun time on Thanksgiving morning,” she added.
The net proceeds from the event support the the nonprofit’s work breaking the cycle of poverty through crisis assistance, case management, educational programming and other resources in the community.
Organizers estimate that the event raised more than $90,000.
The event, which attracted runners from throughout the region and some from out of state, is a longstanding holiday tradition for many families.
Mooresville resident Caitlyn Vargas and her family have incorporated the Turkey Trot into their Thanksgiving plans for four years.
“This has become one of our favorite family traditions. We have family from Long Island, New York, and Myrtle Beach,” Vargas said. “Everybody has a great time, and we love doing this each year.”
Kaden Helms, 11, joined other cross-country runners from his school.
“My goal was to run fast and be in the top 10,” he said.
Helms received a medal for a third-place finish out of 45 in his age division.
His brother, Koby, an early college high school student, said he participated to hang out with Kaden.
“This is my first Turkey Trot. It was a lot of fun. I will probably do it again,” Koby said.
Race Director Tessa Overholt said that the Turkey Trot’s success wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community.
“We are really appreciative of everyone’s support. This year we had so much community support. We are grateful. It really does take a village. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do. Every single person is making a difference whether they feel it or not,” Overholt said.
Race Results
Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/34148/IndividualResult/pdKt?resultSetId=611532# to view the race results.
About The Christian Mission
The Christian Mission is a non-profit organization that has been serving southern Iredell County for more than 85 years. TCM serves over 6,000 individuals and families every year with food, clothing, shelter, life skills and educational programming. Learn more about how TCM changes the lives of Mooresville area families, volunteer, or make a donation, visit www.thechristianmission.org.
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