Before enjoying a family feast, hundreds will first run for children Thursday.
The 42nd annual Baldwinsville Kiwanis Turkey Trot will be held Thanksgiving morning at Baker High School. Featuring a 5K, 10K and half-mile Kids Fun Run, the race has become a tradition for generations.
“This race is important to the community, not only for the proceeds raised, but for plain old camaraderie,” said Tony Saraceni, the chairman of the Baldwinsville Kiwanis Turkey Day Race Committee and a Baldwinsville Kiwanis member. “Over the years, families and friends have made it a tradition to reunite for the race and run together before they indulge themselves in their turkey feast. It is great to see the same faces year in and year out.”
“The most amazing aspect of the race is the dedication and commitment of all those that participate for our cause. Anytime you see a community come together in such large numbers to support a local charity, it is truly amazing,” he added.
While the tradition has existed for years, there have been some minor changes resulting in greater participation.
“The past few years we have spent a lot of time fine tuning the race to attract more runners,” Saraceni said. “Last year, we set a new record for participation with over 1,400 runners. Some of these changes include new timing technology to assure exact race times for our participants, online registration, long sleeve shirts to participants, fresh fruit and pizza for our finishers and more.”
Even if you don’t run, Saraceni encourages people to come for the experience.
“Come out to show your community spirit. I am sure that the event will bring a smile to your face and may even encourage you to get in shape,” Saraceni said.
Registration is $25 on the day of the race. For more information, visit baldwinsvillekiwanis.com.
Proceeds from the Baldwinsville Kiwanis Turkey Trot will benefit Ronald McDonald Charities of Central New York, Kamp Kiwanis and other charities that help meet the needs of children.
“Our mission in Kiwanis is to improve the life of children in the Baldwinsville and CNY area. All proceeds raised from this event go directly towards the local youth in our community. This is what makes not only the race, but the Kiwanis Club itself a great thing to participate in,” Saraceni said.
In 2009, the Baldwinsville Kiwanis Club pledged $25,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY to help build a new, larger Ronald McDonald House. The event also provides funding to send 12 local children to Kamp Kiwanis, a co-ed camp for children ages 8 to 14 that is aimed at providing fun, physical exercise and adventure.
“The bottom line is the Baldwinsville Kiwanis is an organization that whole heartily focuses on providing resources for local children, no matter there situation, to improve there way of life,” Saraceni said.
In addition to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY, the Baldwinsville Kiwanis also donate to the March of Dimes, Toys for Tots, Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce Kids Fishing Derby, Van Buren Elementary Kindergarten Orientation, and many other organizations.
