More than 200 runners raced or walked in the 4th annual O’Briley 5K Turkey Trot Thursday morning in Collinsville. (Photo courtesy Brent Soderberg)
CANTON, Nov. 26 –The fourth annual O’Briley 5K Turkey Trot is growing – even faster than its organizers had anticipated. More than 200 people showed on a cool but sunny Thanksgiving morning in Collinsville to run in the 3.1 mile race along the Farmington River Trail.
“We had over 200 people running/walking the event,” event co-organizer Michael Riley said. “Some came with dogs and strollers – but the turnout was huge. We actually ran out of bibs as we planned for less than 200.”
Not only did 200 people start off their Thanksgiving holiday with a run along the Farmington River but the race raised $2,200 for the Canton Food Bank. Each year, Riley and co-race founder Colin O’Brien donate a portion of the proceeds to a local charity. Last year, they donated $3,750 to fight Parkinson’s disease.
Canton’s Cameron Neeley won the overall race in 18:59 for 3.1 miles, beating fellow high school classmate Tyson Deloy by a second. Aidan O’Donnell was third in 19:58.
Among the women in the race, Avon’s Hannah Fusaro was first across the line with a new course record time of 21:47. That broke the old record set in 2012 of 22: 39. Elle Bahre captured the one-mile kid’s run.
Organizers of the Thanksgiving morning road race in Collinsville, Colin O’Brien and Mike Riley donated proceeds from the race to the Canton Food Bank. From left is Madeline Drummery of the Canton Food Bank, Colin O’Brien, Mike Riley and Pat Lazauski of the food bank.
Photos of the race are available from photographer Brent Soderberg. The race began and ended at the base of the old railroad bridge in Collinsville that spans the Farmington River. Mr. Trophy donated the trophies and ribbons for the runners while Canton High teacher Tim O’Donnell, the cross country and track and field coach, volunteered to time the race.
Race results
Men: Cameron Neeley 18:59 for 3.1 miles, 2. Tyson Deloy 19:00, 3. Aidan O’Donnell 19:58
Women: Hannah Fusaro 21:47 for 3.1 miles, new course record; 2. Belle Magna, 3. Heather Neeley
Kids 1-mile fun run: 1. Elle Bahre, 2. Grace Dempsey, 3. Cole Smith
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