By Doug La Rocque
It was the coldest Thanksgiving on record, but that did not stop 6,425 brave souls of all ages who took part in the 71st Troy Turkey Trot. Over 1,500 took part in the day’s most prestigious event, the area’s only 10K road race. Albany’s Ryan Udvadia claimed the men’s title in a time of 31:43, while Karen Bertasso, also of Albany, was first in the women’s division is a time of 37:43. Both took home $300 prizes.
Winners also on this day were the events two charities, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph’s House and Shelter. Participants raised over $15,000 to share between the two.
“Hats off to everyone who came out today,” said longtime Event Director George Regan. “Although the day was one of the coldest Thanksgivings on record, it was heartwarming to see so many local families continuing to make our annual event part of their Thanksgiving plans.”
The day also included a 5K race, a Grade school Mile and the Turkey Walk.
Some of the top local finishers were:
Joe Geurds N. Bennington
Tom Dils Williamstown
Alex Kelly Nassau
Jessica Chapman Bennington
Collin Douglas Petersburgh
James Forbes Valley Falls
Christopher Carter Averill Park
Ryan Gosse Grafton
Chuck Douglas Petersburgh
Robert HoardBerlin
Michael Conway East Nassau
Laurie Carter Averill Park
Rich LenykBerlin
Laura Nesbit Bennington
Gunner Barnes Averill Park
Cayla Hungerford Petersburgh
Angela MaturskiPownal
Gigi French Cherry Plain
Leo Dipierro Cherry Plain
Amy Dellio Valley Falls
Jenneifer Siegal Berlin
Kelsey O’DellPoestenkill
Linda HoltMelrose
Steven Douglass Nassau
Dave Vona Valatie
Noah Bonesteel Averill Park
Gregory Barshield Averill Park
Josh Santarcangela Melrose
Kyle Antognioni Bennington
Jeff Michael Cropseyville
Sean Stahlman Averill Park
Lisa May Brunswick
Bridget Enderle Sand Lake
Brian Galvin Poestenkill
Jeanmarie Kratzer Cambridge
Jeaneette Sassatelli Valley Falls
Noah Lashway Berlin
Ed Madigan Melrose
Haley Chaykowski Petersburgh
Katherine Cummings Bennington
Sarah French Stephentown
Megan Beck Poestenkill
Robert Peterson Petersburgh
Sarah Bentley Petersburgh
Shane Walsh Poestenkill
Sean Comiskey Nassau
Marsha Chavin Nassua
Roseanne Stowell Hoosick Falls