(January 2, 2020) – Easton, MD – More than 1,800 runners participated in six turkey trot 5K races across the Delmarva Peninsula on Thanksgiving Day. The races raised more than $140,000 to help over 200 children attend YMCA camp programs on the Shore.
Runners and walkers were joined by more than 100 dogs, and participants ranged in age from just a few months to 82 years.
“We are so thankful that our friends and neighbors across the Eastern Shore choose to make the Turkey Trot part of their Thanksgiving traditions,” said Robbie Gill, YMCA of the Chesapeake CEO. “While enjoying time with friends and family and doing something healthy for themselves, participants also ensured that no child is turned away from a YMCA camp experience and that all of our youth have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.”
Turkey Trots were held in Cecil County at the Perryville Community Park, in Queen Anne’s County at Hunter’s Oak Golf Course in partnership with the Kent Island Running Group, in Talbot County at the Easton Family YMCA at Peachblossom, in Dorchester County at the Pauline F. and W. David Robbins Family YMCA in Cambridge, in Wicomico County at the Richard A. Henson Family YMCA in Salisbury and in Chincoteague, VA at the David Landsberger Family YMCA.
The YMCA of the Chesapeake offers youth camp experiences at seven of its locations across the Eastern Shore. Camps are offered for children ages 3.5 to 15 and focus on providing a wide variety of opportunities for learning new skills, making friends, having fun and building self-esteem and character. In 2018, more than 1,700 children participated in a camp program.
About the YMCA of the Chesapeake
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and the largest Human Service organization on the Eastern Shore; strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Shore, Ys engage 40,000 members and their families, regardless of age, income or background, to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the Shore’s health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of the Chesapeake operates facilities in Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Talbot, Queen Anne’s and Wicomico Counties in Maryland and on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. Last year, the YMCA of the Chesapeake provided over $1,750,000 in assistance to over 16,000 community members, turning no one away due to inability to pay. Additionally, the Y spent $200,000 on outreach efforts and programming in the communities it serves.
More than 1,800 walkers and runners participated in six turkey trot 5K races across the Delmarva Peninsula on Thanksgiving Day. The races raised more than $140,000 to help over 200 children attend YMCA camp programs on the Shore.
