Thursday, November 25, 1999 -- Parkersburg
Parkersburg Turkey Trot 3-Mile Fun Run/Walk

[Coverage] [Results]

'Tis the season...

Most people look forward to Thanksgiving Day so they can sit back, eat as much good food as physically possible, and maybe even watch a little TV. Well, in Parkersburg, over 1000 people enjoyed the cold Thanksgiving morning at this year's 21st Annual Turkey Trot, sponsored by St. Joseph's Hospital, The Rehab Center, WXIL and The Bear radio stations.

Runners and walkers alike gathered with family and friends for some exercise, and the chance to win a turkey by traversing the 3 mile course that wound through City Park and along Washington Avenue.

JD and John Barnette enjoying Thanksgiving

"Each year the official race T-shirt is dedicated to a special recipient, either a participant or a friend of the Turkey Trot," stated Sharon Hershberger, race coordinator. "This year's honoree was coincidentally the first registrant, Dan Wharton, of Parkersburg." Wharton was commemorated on the T-shirt logo by the "#1" hanging around the turkey's neck, as well as his initials on the design.

The fastest runner in the race this day was Dave McCollum(15:31). The battle for second place went to Larry Taylor(15:56) who barely edged out third place finisher Chris Northrup(15:57).

Cookies, anyone?

The first female to cross the finish line was Jessica Taylor(18:14), followed by Carrie Rustad(18:54) and Rachiel Fox(20:46). The first place male and female finishers both received fresh turkeys. Drawings for 50 frozen turkeys were held after the race for all participants.

Hershberger shared her appreciation for everyone's hard work in making the event so succesful. "Special thanks go out to Dr. Gary Ogilvie, Kim Salyers of The Rehab Center, AJ Fox and Clint Russell from Results Radio, On The Run, and all the volunteers and participants for making this year's Turkey Trot an outstanding way for families to spend the holiday together."