$40K Raised For Chatham First Responders At Annual Turkey Trot

CHATHAM, NJ — The 15th Annual Chatham Turkey Trot raised $40,000 for four organizations supporting first responders and diabetes research and education, making it one of the most successful years to date.

The money raised has all been donated toward diabetes education, research, and first responders. The Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Diabetes Research Institute, the Chatham Emergency Squad and The Barton Center for Diabetes Education will all benefit from the run.

“The 15th Annual Chatham Turkey Trot was a great success. With more than 1,300 runners participating in the one-mile family fun run and 5K race, we raised $40,000, bringing our 15-year total to more than $300,000 for area first responders and diabetes research and education. We are grateful for the tremendous support of our volunteers, the Chatham community, and our Gold Sponsors Boxcar, Citizens Bank, Debbie Woerner Realty, Dreyer's Lumber & Hardware, and our Silver Sponsors: Klas Electric, Morris Animal Inn and Mary Weichert Realtor. We look forward to seeing everyone next year,” said Curt Ritter founder and president of the Chatham Turkey Trot.

The Chatham Turkey Trot organizes and hosts the annual Chatham Turkey Trot, a one-mile family fun run and 5K Race on Thanksgiving Day in the scenic Highlands section of Chatham Township.

The annual race attracts over 1,200 runners each year, who help raise funds for Chatham's first responders as well as diabetes research and education.

The following are the race winners from this year's event:

5k Winners

• Men: Sam Ellis – 16:02
• Women: Jem Berney – 19:58
• Boys: Jack Cross – 19:22
• Girls: Brinley Pickett – 21:16

1 Mile Winners:

• Boys: Thomas Gallagher - 4:45
• Girls: Ava Koscielniak – 5:22

According to officials, the Chatham Turkey Trot has evolved into a family holiday tradition, providing expert and novice runners alike with the opportunity to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors, raise cash, and work up a sweat before the big meal.

The Turkey Trot has raised over $300,000 for local first responders and diabetes research since 2009.