O’Briley Turkey Trot set go Thanksgiving morning in Collinsville

Runners take off at the start of the O’Briley 5K Turkey Trot on the Farmington River Trail in Collinsville last year. It snowed the evening before Thanksgiving.

CANTON, Nov. 22 – The fourth annual O’Briley 5K Turkey Trot and one-mile kids fun run is set to be held Thanksgiving morning in Collinsville.

A year ago, nearly 80 people showed up despite two inches of snow the evening before. This year, more than 140 participants have signed up to run. Runners can register on Thursday morning for $10. The kid’s fun begins at 8:30 a.m. with the 5K set to begin at 9:15 a.m.

The race will begin on the Farmington River trail at the base of the old railroad bridge in Collinsville that spans the Farmington River. The race will be run along the Farmington River trail. For the past three years, race founders Michael Riley and Colin O’Brien donated a portion of the proceeds to a local charity. Last year, they donated $3,750 to fight Parkinson’s disease.

This year, they will donate 100 percent of the race proceeds to the Canton Food Bank. A box will be set up at the start for donations of canned goods, too.

Trophies for the top three male and female finishers in the race and finishing ribbons was generously donated by Stephanie May of Mr. Trophy. Canton High teacher, cross country and track and field coach Tim O’Donnell is volunteering his services to time the race.  

“We are fortunate to have great community support in terms of those who come and support a charitable event as well as those who generously donate items to continuously make this event a success,” O’Brien said.

Weston Zeiner (120) leads runners toward the finish in the 2014 race. It snowed the evening before Thanksgiving last year.

NOTES: The 2014 race was won by Nathan Scott in 19:40 with Angela Heidgerd winning the women’s race for the second straight year in 24:31. Alyssa Peters, 12, won the one-mile kid’s fun run. In 2013, Casey O’Connor won the race in 20:31 with Heidgerd winning the woman’s race in 23:23. Marc Robaczynski of Avon set the course record when he won the 2012 race in 17:24. The women’s record was also set in 2012 with a winning time of 22:39. … You can learn more about the race at the race website.