Instead of stuffing a turkey on Thanksgiving morning over 1,500 people – including children, gathered at Corey Beach in Blue Point for the fourth annual Smiles Changes Lives Turkey Trot.

The Turkey Trot is a 5k run/walk and a kid’s fun run that was started by Dr. Frank Egan on Long Island in 2008. All funds raised from this race benefits the not-for-profit organization Smiles Change Lives. This group provides orthodontic care to children in need.

Running with his family, Dr. Zach Faber was one of the co-chairs of the Turkey Trot. As they made their way to the starting line with turkey hats he explained, “The race has grown every year; it is amazing!”

Faber is an orthodontist that donates his services to help children that cannot afford treatment on their own. He said, “Especially now with all the state and county budget cuts, Smiles Change Lives is needed.”

Ready for a race and Thanksgiving, Mike Petrina of Sayville Running Company was dressed as a pilgrim. With his hat pinned to a headband he said, “I don’t think it will slow me down. I just ran two miles and it was fine.”

The Turkey Trot has become a family Thanksgiving tradition with Sara Desmond’s family. “This is our second year racing. My daughter is doing the fun run, my husband is running and I am walking with my son in the stroller.”

Wearing turkey hat, nine year old Anna Glen of Vermont was excited to start her first Turkey Trot Fun Run. Visiting family for the holiday she said, “I think it is going to be a lot of fun!”

The morning was cool and dry, which is perfect for running. This competitive race was maxed out and the organizers had to close down registration. The 5k started at Barteau Avenue in Blue Point and ended at Corey Beach.

Ryan Delaney of Coram was the overall winner with a time of 16:11. The first female to cross the finish line in 19:08 was Heidi Nathan of Medford. For more Turkey Trot results - http://www.pigmantri.com/jmsracing/results11/smilestt11b.html.

For more information on Smile Changes Lives - http://www.smileschangelives.org/.

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