Trotting turkeys spotted in Marion

Nov 18, 2012

Make way for the turkeys.

Marion’s Village was packed with more than 400 runners, walkers, and spectators on Sunday for the second annual 5K Turkey Trot.

Hosted by the Marion Recreation Department, the race invites all participants to don his or her best turkey garb.

While not all showed up in costume, some participants did get into the Thanksgiving spirit.

Runner Joy Frain of Westport sported a pair of turkey-shaped sunglasses.

“It’s definitely added fun,” Frain said. “It’s a great atmosphere.”

With all proceeds of the race going towards supporting the Recreation Department, the event brought out many supporters.

Johanna Vergoni of Marion said she took part in the Recreation Department’s sailing program when she was a kid. Vergoni, her husband Joseph, and their children Claire and Kyle all ran in the race together.

“It’s so much fun to be able to come out for a great cause,” said Vergoni. “This is a wonderful chance for us to do our first family road race.”

While organizing the race can make for a lot of work, Marion Recreation Director Jody Dickerson said it’s worth every minute.

“It’s definitely one of the bigger fundraisers that we do,” Dickerson said. “Last year was a great success.”

Hunter Patrick of Marion finished first in the 5K with a time of 16:55:04. Conlan Yuen of Dartmouth clocked in at second with a time of 18:09:09. Alex Walecka of Dartmouth took third with a time of 18:10:07. Ryan Stopka of Rochester took fourth with a time of 18:47:01.