Thousands hit pavement for Turkey Trot

AUSTIN (KXAN) - More than 21,000 people laced up their sneakers and pounded the pavement in the 22 ^nd Annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot Thursday morning.

“I’m dressed as a pilgrim this year and I have my friends here dressed as turkeys and I’ve been dressing up for quite a few years,” explained Ellie Haggerty.

She wasn’t alone. Many people took the phrase, “You are what you eat,” to heart and strutted in turkey suits.

Haggerty has been coming to the race for 21 years and said it’s more than just about having fun.

“Caritas is a great organization and they serve the Austin area and they provide basic need food and shelter to lots of people in need, food and shelter to lots of people in need, and it’s just a really great way to give back on Thanksgiving,” said Haggerty.

All of the money from the Turkey Trot is donated to the nonprofit organization. Caritas is a local charity that serves about 20,000 homeless people, the working poor and documented refugees in the county.

“It just means so much to have this many members of our community coming out for this event,” said Jo Kathryn Quinn, executive director of Caritas. “Means that the community really supports our organization and that it makes us feel very great at Caritas.”

In 2011 the Turkey Trot donated more than $260,000 to the charity. The race has donated about $1.5 million over the years. Organizers expect that number to increase. They’ll present a check to Caritas in December.

“Wow, this is really one of my favorite days all year,” explained Michelle Graham, a spokeswoman for the Turkey Trot. “It's an Austin Thanksgiving Day tradition, it’s just a great way to start your morning with some fitness, give back to charity before you gorge on the big meal.”

People could run the five-mile race, walk a mile or participate in the Stepping Stone School Kids’ K.

While some race goers just took their time, others were on a mission to make a good time.

Andrew Letherby came in first place with a time of 24:56:69 and Kelly Williamson came in first for the woman’s division with a run time of 27:50:05.