Yorktown, NY - Over 400 road racing enthusiasts braved the brisk morning air to participate in Senator Terrence Murphy's Inaugural Hudson Valley Turkey Trot. The 5k race, held early Thanksgiving morning, was organized to benefit two local food pantries - St. Mary's of Mohegan Lake and St. John's of Mahopac.
 
"We were very pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming response from our community. It comforting to know that people are willing to come out on Thanksgiving to help families who are less fortunate," said Senator Murphy. "I am confident the Turkey Trot will continue to attract racers to Yorktown for many years to come."

Greg Diamond, Vice President of the Taconic Road Runners stated, "We were elated to organize a Turkey Trot for Thanksgiving because so many people were interested in helping out the local food banks. We look forward to next year's race and being able to sign up twice as many runners."
 
The race started on Front Street and continued along Route 118, finishing back at Front Street.  Darren Schiminski of Montrose was the first to cross the finish line. The top male division runner set a blistering pace with a time of 18:31. Kaitlyn DiBello topped the female division with a rapid run of 20:18.

Other top finishers by age group:
0-14 males: Patrick Ryan (Yorktown Heights) 19:50
0-14 females: Alexandra Griffin (Mount Kisco) 24:23 
15-18 males: Ben Johns (Chappaqua) 19:37
15-18 females: Ariel Markowski (Somers) 22:45
19-29 males: Carter Humphrey (Yorktown Heights) 19:01
19-29 females: Kerry Close (White Plains) 22:31
30-39 males: Matt Valvano (Hartsdale) 19:47
30-39 females: Eileen Pike (Shrub Oak) 23:03
40-49 males: Michael Nicosia (Huntersville) 22:45
40-49 females: Tamara Del Vecchio (Mahopac) 23:18
50-59 males: Donald Pinkowsky (Yorktown Heights) 23:55
50-59 females: Theresa Flora (Mount Kisco) 26:42
60-69 males: James Drew (Sugar Hill) 30:32
60-69 females: Margo Nuebel (Yorktown Heights) 30:55
 
The Taconic Road Runners, Club Fit, Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, AFC Urgent Care, and JV Hot Bagels were among the many community organizations who raced for a chance to partner with Senator Murphy to bring the event across the finish line.
 
Some of the runners wore colorful turkey-themed headgear that added a touch of mirth to the race. Yorktown Town Councilman Tom Diana and Town Justice Hon. Gary J. Raniolo were on hand to cheer on the runners. Yorktown Town Councilman Ed Lachterman and his wife Carol McTygue Lachterman took the concept of the Turkey Trot a step further, racing with their dogs.