New Paltz Times photographer Lauren Thomas captures the Mashed Potato Run

This morning's New Paltz Turkey Trot was a well-attended event, bringing out those serious about running, those serious about their community, and those that just like a holiday reunion with friends.  In addition to the 5K Turkey Trot which went up the Rail Trail and back along Plains Road, there was a shorter Mashed Potato Run for the youngsters.

As of this morning, an estimated sixteen thousand dollars had been raised by the event for Family of New Paltz, but that doesn't include last-minute registrants or T-shirt sales.  Organizer Suzanne Holt said, "We couldn't have done this without the Boy Scouts and all of our other volunteers."  They helped out keeping time, selling shirts, preparing food and liquid for the runners, and tracking the winning results.  The Town of New Paltz police department declined the opportunity to help close roads and regulate traffic around the run, and that task was handled by volunteers, as well. 

The event had dozens of sponsors, including the Shawangunk Running Company which supplied chips for accurate timekeeping.  Runners came from all around the area to participate.  When asked "why do you run in the Turkey Trot?" answers were focused on fun, helping a good cause, and touching base with family and friends.

• Architect Richard Miller:  "My fifteen-year-old son was running, and I had to show him up."
• Incoming Highway Superintendent Mike Nielson:  "I run all the time, all over the state and in nearby states.  This one goes past my house.  Why wouldn't I?"
• High school student Forrest Miller:  "I'm on the JV swim team, and this was a mandatory practice."
• Law student Nikki Koenig-Nielson:  "It's a good cause, a great way to start the day, and a way to see friends.  Why not?"
• Massage therapist Helen Gutfreund:  "This is my second year running, and now that I've done it twice it's a healthy Thanksgiving tradition!  I like seeing friends, and especially helping Family."
• Reporter Erin Quinn:  "It's a challenge for my boys, who are ages 8 and 10 and on the swim team, and I'm also reporting on it for the New Paltz Times, so this way I can participate, too."

More pictures will be available at www.newpaltzturkeytrot.com when they are available.