October 21, 2016 – For the past 19 years, the Granville Island Turkey Trot 10KM sends thousands of participants running around the False Creek seawall. In the spirit of giving back, race organizers also reward runners and communities with fun initiatives, including cash prizes.
To acknowledge the special role the communities play in bringing a race to life, the Community Challenge Program presented by Chevron was introduced this year. The goal is to create a movement that ignites community support and excitement for the sport.
This year’s winners and prizes include:
- $500 for Largest Team: Mosquito Creek Ranch Hyenas
- $250 for Best Team Costume or “most impactful” spectator group: Eric Hamber Eternal Dragon Boat Team
- $50 Mahoney and Sons’ Gift Card for Best Individual Costume: Shelley Hatfield
Individual recognition for best costume was awarded to long-time runner Shelley Hatfield, who has participated in the annual Granville Island Turkey Trot since its inaugural year in 1997. This year she ran wearing a full-body squirrel costume.
“Mostly, it makes for laughs and that’s what I’m there for. Hopefully I inspired others to laugh along with me and have a good time,” says Shelley about her costume. Shelley was also a member of the third largest team “Shelley Time” who will use their award as draw a prize at their annual Christmas event that fu ndraises for the RAPS Cat Sanctuary.
The top two largest teams at this year’s event were the Studeo Cheetahs who had 16 runners, and in the lead, the Mosquito Creek Ranch Hyenas with 17 members and a claim to the $500 prize for the largest team.
This event isn’t just about the race or the runners, it is a celebration of everyone in the community that helps to create a memorable and positive experience as part of the Thanksgiving weekend. Exemplifying that was the Eric Hamber Eternal Dragon Boat Team who were awarded the Best Team Costume and were a major cheer station along the course.
“Our team had a lot of fun cheering runners during the Granville Island Turkey Trot,” says Reg Chow, member of the Eric Hamber Eternal Dragon Boat Team. “The funds we’ve been rewarded will be used to offset our racing regatta fees, help our team with jersey and racing costs.”
In an additional effort to give back to the community, the Granville Island Turkey Trot also supports local charity partners, Quest Food Exchange and Arts Umbrella in the spirit of Thanksgiving. This event is organized annually by RUNVAN®, a local non-profit organization that promotes healthy active lifestyles.
