Turkey Day Fun Run at RB Saltwater Park Thursday morning

The volunteers who make it work

Text and photos by Wayne Pridemore

The annual Turkey Day Fun Run at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park on Thursday morning brought out a large crowd to kick off the holiday season. This year's theme was "space". The proceeds from sponsors benefited Shoreline Hopelink food bank and emergency service.

Teresa Pape, left, and Teresa Pascale.

Many volunteer workers are required to make the event safe, and make it run smoothly.

Selling t-shirts for the community association of Richmond Beach were left, Caroline Gugger, Suzanne Gugger, and Christie Quigley.

Tom Mailhot registered runners

Each runner was registered and given tickets for a drawing before the run. Tom Mailhot was one of many who worked this task.

As the sun came up on the beautiful day the crowd began to walk down the hill for the traditional group photo. The crowd continued to grow.

Many family and friend groups participated in the event. Here is a group of turkey heads, left is Trevor Pottorf of Houston Texas, Amy Gray, Lillian Murphy, Helen Murphy, Laura Pottorf of Houston Texas, and Barbara VanWormer. 

Don Wilson is the founder of the event

 

Don Wilson is the originator of our local turkey run. More than fourteen years ago Don and several runner friends would run at Saltwater Park each Thanksgiving day. 

Each year more people would join the annual event. Don was then approached by the Richmond Beach Community Association to make the run a part of the community's annul programs. Don Wilson now serves as the event's master of ceremony, photographer, and organizer. 

 

Don organizes the crowd for the annual photo.

And then they run!