Saratoga Springs Turkey Trot 5K race draws 2,500

PHOTOGRAPHER: Marc Schultz

Runners take off at the start of the annual Turkey Trot along Broadway in Saratoga Springs on Thanksgiving Day.

Taking in the brisk November air before eating turkey has been a tradition for the Donlon family for the last seven years.

But burning a few calories at the Christopher Dailey Saratoga Turkey Trot doesn’t involve racing to the finish line at breakneck speed for the Saratoga County family members, who planned to walk the 5K course from downtown to Skidmore College.

“We want to be the first baby stroller to cross the finish line,” joked Paul Donlon of Long Island as he prepared to start off with his brothers, sister-in-law and 3-year-old nephew, who all live locally and planned to celebrate with breakfast after the 8:30 a.m. race.

Michael Donlon of Gansevoort said the faltering economy makes celebrating Thanksgiving even more relevant.

“I would say that we’re all thankful that we’re able to have a nice Thanksgiving and help out this time of year.”

Proceeds from the annual 5K race benefit the Christopher Dailey Foundation, which supports area youth sports. The Christopher Dailey Memorial Youth Gym opened in Wilton’s Gavin Park in 2006, and fundraisers like the Turkey Trot pay for the building.

Maria Dailey, mother of the third-grader who died in 2001 just before Thanksgiving, said Thursday that a record 2,500 people ran the race.

“Every year it’s grown. This is the most we’ve ever had,” Dailey said.

The race keeps alive the memory of Mark and Maria Dailey’s son, who died at age 8 after a short and sudden illness.

“He was only a year younger than me,” said Austin Anderson, 16, who volunteered with other members of the Saratoga Springs High School student council at the race.

“On Thanksgiving, people want to get out and exercise before they feast on food,” said Devan Tracy, 17, of Saratoga Springs, who ran in the race for her fourth time.

It also creates a reunion of sorts on Broadway, as adults see people they know and local college students who are home on break catch up with friends. And Thursday’s weather was warm enough that people lingered outside to talk after the race.

A local band made up of 2008 Saratoga High School graduates, Maggie and the Locals, entertained people after the race in the lobby of the Saratoga Hilton, where runners fueled up with free drinks and snacks.

Two other area cities held Thanksgiving Day races as well.

More than 1,200 runners and walkers were expected to turn out to the Ellis Hospital Foundation’s Cardiac Classic in Schenectady.

The event featured a 5K Road Race, Wellness Walk, and Fun Run in Central Park.

Troy’s 61st annual Turkey Trot was expected to draw more than 5,000 participants to five events.