Friends of Colin is gearing up to hold its 4th annual Turkey Trot scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, 2018. The run raises money
to fight pediatric cancer.
The 10 a.m. 5K starts in Unami Park and travels the flat streets of Garwood and Cranford. It typically draws local residents and people who are visiting family here for the holidays.
After the race, the littlest in the crowd get to run 1/2 mile “fun run.” There are also raffle baskets to try to win and snacks for the race participants.
“The race is a great way for the community to come together over the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Ryan McGann, executive director of Friends of Colin.
“I think it is wonderful where runners come from our community, both Garwood and Cranford, and all over the East coast. All the proceeds from the run directly benefit pediatric cancer research, and while we give thanks, we can also give forward by participating in the run and helping end pediatric cancer.
Last year’s winners were Will Smith, Cranford, who ran 17:27, for men’s first place finish; and Abby Keisling, Washington, DC, who ran 22:19. for women’s first place finish. Many of the participants run the race competitively, and others choose to walk the route.
You can register for the race at https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Garwood/FriendsofColinTurkeyTrot.
Registration is $25 but prices increase after Nov. 9.
Friends of Colin formed after the death of 16-year-old Cranford resident Colin Maher. Colin died after a fight with Ewings Sarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer. His neighborhood friends decided to continue fighting the disease and to raise money for Dr. Jeffrey Toretsky,
a Georgetown University doctor who is trying to find a cure. Friends of Colin also holds an annual Easter Egg Hunt fundraiser in the spring.
