Turkey trot gobbles up past participation record

From left, volunteer Avery Chamberlain, trotter Zoe Carpenter and volunteer Lillie Chamberlain at the Adirondack Health 5k Turkey Trot held on Thursday, Nov. 28.
Provided Photo by Andrea Chamberlain

LAKE PLACID — Nearly 500 runners, walkers and strollers made their way around Mirror Lake in the 15th annual Adirondack Health 5k Turkey Trot.

Held each Thanksgiving, the event has grown to become a popular tradition in Lake Placid, attracting a wide array of local residents and those visiting the village over the holiday.

Despite cold temperatures, this year was the event’s biggest field, according to Andrea Chamberlain, who has been organizing the trot since its inception. She said there were 535 registered participants. Of those, 471 — including over 50 children in the ’10 and under’ age group category — ended up competing.

“It is a well-loved race by the community and those who visit the area,” she said. “Many religiously have this as a part of their family Thanksgiving day tradition.”

The course began at the Beach House and headed up Main Street. From there, it turned on to Mirror Lake Drive and made a clockwise loop around the lake before finishing back at the Beach House.

Trotterss make their way along Mirror Lake Drive on Thursday, Nov. 28 during the Adirondack Health 5k Turkey Trot.
Photo by Chris Gaige

In all, over $13,000 was raised from entry fees. Chamberlain said the funds will go toward the Fit for Life Scholarship Fund and the Lake Placid Thrive and Thrift Food Pantry. In addition to the money, she said three full car-loads of non-perishable food donations from race participants were collected for the food pantry.

“We are very passionate about what this race supports,” she said. “The race supports those who otherwise can’t afford to attend the Fit for Life program. This program makes a positive impact on so many lives in our community and our mission is to give equal access to everyone regardless of their socioeconomic status. This race makes that mission possible.”

Fit for Life program is a medically-supervised exercise program run by Adirondack Health. Classes are offered in Lake Placid, as well as Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake. More information can be found at tinyurl.com/2dvw937j.

“This event is not only about coming together as a community but also giving back to those that need it the most,” Chamberlain said. “It is very rewarding to see how the Turkey Trot has become a way for all of us to make a meaningful impact.”

Chamberlain thanked the village of Lake Placid, town of North Elba, Lake Placid Police Department, event sponsors and volunteers for making 2024 another successful year.

Turkey trotters make their way along the shores of Mirror Lake near the Beach House on Thursday, Nov. 28 during the Adirondack Health 5k Turkey Trot.
Provided Photo by Andrea Chamberlain

Winner winner turkey dinner

The top three male and female finishers, as well as their times are listed below.

Men

1st: Adam Quinn (Bib No. 323) 16:34.2

2nd: George Soyka (Bib No. 144) 16:46.5

3rd: Owen Eldridge (Bib No. 10) 17:48.8

Women

1st: Mallory Howe (Bib No. 442) 18:58.5

2nd: Syd Steger (Bib No. 227) 19:14.7

3rd: Maria Ricalton (Bib No. 342) 20:11.6