By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
Each fall, Cazenovia typically hosts both the “Pumpkin Run 5K” fundraiser, sponsored by Cazenovia High School classes, and the Thanksgiving morning “Turkey Trot,” presented by the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF).
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional runs have been canceled this year.
In lieu of these races, the Cazenovia High School sophomore class is organizing the Cazenovia Turkey Trot 2020 Virtual Run/Walk to raise money for the Class of 2023, whose usual fundraisers for events like the Junior Prom and Senior Ball have been cancelled.
“Knowing that the Central New York running community is looking for opportunities to remain active, we have combined the two [traditional] events into a virtual run/walk over a new route for this year,” the class wrote on the race website.
The race is also designed to help raise awareness of CPF and its role in the community, and to support CazCares food pantry and clothing closet.
According to the race website, ten percent of the proceeds from the event will be directed to CazCares to help families in needs during the holiday season.
“We so appreciate the Class of 2023 for their donation of a portion of the race proceeds to CazCares,” said CazCares Client Services Director Gigi Redmond. “In these uncertain economic times, more families may be turning to CazCares for assistance at the holidays this year. We would like to thank the Class of 2023 and also the broader Cazenovia community. Because of your generosity, CazCares has had the necessary resources to respond to the needs of our client families during this pandemic.”
The virtual run/walk can be completed anytime Nov. 25-29.
The course begins and ends along the Village Green in front of the high school and winds through the village, passing numerous historical, cultural and natural sites along the way.
“For people who normally just do the same old [run], this will be a really interesting and provocative route that will take people out to places they don’t usually go,” said Village Mayor Kurt Wheeler.
After the race, participants will have the option to electronically submit a quiz based on the landmarks they pass to become eligible for prizes.
“CPF is very pleased to be supporting the Class of 2023 for this year’s Virtual Turkey Trot,” said CPF Executive Director Jen Wong. “We had recently determined that we couldn’t safely host our traditional Thanksgiving morning event when Mayor Wheeler approached us about the possibility of partnering on this run. We’re glad that the runners, and walkers, in our community will have a local 5K option around the Thanksgiving holiday this year and that the route will feature portions of the historic village center as well as sections of CPF trails. If you’re planning to walk the route, or if you’re not seeking a 5K personal record and you can spare a couple extra minutes, make sure to look out for some Cazenovia history information and trivia along the way.”
Runners may self-report their times for the virtual leaderboard. Participants are reminded to be cautious in the roads, as traffic will not be stopped or controlled like it is during the traditional fall races.
“Be careful and adjust your time if needed to reflect necessary pauses for safety,” the race website advises.
On Nov. 2, the Village of Cazenovia Board of Trustees voted to approve the race route and all associated signage.
During the village board meeting, Wheeler stated that the class plans to create directional signs for the route and collaborate with CPF to develop interpretive signs highlighting local sites and history.
According to the mayor, the Class of 2023 is actively reaching out to the community for both sponsors and participants.
To sign up for the race or to donate, visit runsignup.com/Race/NY/Cazenovia/TurkeyTrotVirtualRunWalk.
To learn more about CPF and CazCares, or to donate to them directly, visit cazpreservation.org and cazcares.org.
