Partner Content
November 23, 2023
8:30 – 10 a.m.
Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Y in Waverly
For some folks, The Y in Central Maryland’s annual Turkey Trot Charity 5K—which supports all of its inclusive wellness programs—is as much a Thanksgiving tradition as the dinner itself. This year’s crowd of 1,774 included regulars who had been coming for years, out-of-towners here for the holiday, young participants starting off the tradition from the vantage point of a stroller, furry friends on leashes, and some embracing the event’s fun spirit in costume—Thanksgiving-themed or otherwise.
“We just wanted to embarrass our 11-year-old cousin,” said Kristin Bremer, with a laugh, explaining why she and Lucy Van Eron were dressed as kangaroos.
After a boisterous dance warm-up, it was off to the races to work up an appetite for the big meal. The Waverly race was one of six Turkey Trots held around the state that drew a total of 15,573 runners.
Left to right: Tiffany Reinhardt, The Y in Central Maryland senior executive director of operations; Derryck Fletcher, The Y in Central Maryland COO; Lindsay Meyers, The Weinberg Y in Waverly associate executive director
Left to right: Matt Taylor, Indianapolis area controls engineer; Nick Taylor, Indianapolis area design engineer; Deidre Taylor, Newcastle, Indiana violin teacher/teaching assistant for special needs; Anastasia Taylor, Indianpolis area HotBox Pizza assistant general manager/full-time student
Left to right: Akia Jones, educator/entrepreneur/The Bmore Brand owner; Chaaz Sweetney, student; Damon Speaks, real estate investor/mentor/entrepreneur/House of Diamonds co-founder
Left to right: Matt Perry, pharmacist; Heather Naviasky, The Y in Central Maryland senior executive director of youth development; Henry Naviasky, Celtic Marketing senior vice president/food broker
Left to right: Marissa Esguerra, International Concrete Repair Institute marketing and membership manager; Malcolm, 11-year-old Black and Tan Coonhound
Left to right: Lucy Van Eron, student; Kristin Bremer, Venable software engineer
Left to right: Doug Belew, Atlanta realtor/grandparent; Katie Belew, Atlanta grandparent; Eleanor Belew, 3 1/2 years old; David Belew, Maryland Center for History and Culture vice president of external affairs; Courtney Belew, Decorative Films marketing manager
Left to right: Betsy Orendorff, Rescue One national sales representative; Debra James, Pikesville High School counselor; Peyton Bigelow, 15 months old; Erin Bigelow, mom/Brooklyn Dutch Designs owner
The Holland and Marcos families pose for a family photo in front of the race’s step-and-repeat backdrop.
Not only is running in the Turkey Trot an annual tradition for Chris Baron, so is dressing up for it. “I run with friends who dress up as chefs. So, I dress up like a turkey,” he said.
What’s more? The Patterson High School teacher says his costume gets more elaborate as time goes on. “Every year, I add something to it,” he said, with a laugh.
