Dedham`s Annual 5k Turkey Trot Just Keeps Getting Better...

There are some things that are just wonderful - from their conception, on through the planning stages, and straight through to fulfillment. Dedham`s Annual 5k Turkey Trot – now in its 5th year – is one of those wonderful things!

The Turkey Trot was the brainchild of Ms. Kristen Atwood, Ms. Marcia Robinson and the other dedicated folks at “Ripples of Hope”, a local non-profit organization that inspires people to become “engaged” and take action in community projects. Their goal is for local families, businesses, and individuals to step up, get involved, and help out others who may not be as well off. Ripples of Hope is known for their commitment to “build bridges” between residents and their communities.

Recently, we had the opportunity to catch up with Ripples of Hope founder, Kristen Atwood, and program director, Marcia Robinson, and discuss their accomplishments and goals here around Town. Most importantly, the pair wanted to thank their many sponsors, volunteers, runners, and neighbors who come out each Thanksgiving morning to share in this “family tradition.”

Back in 2012 when the 5k (3.1 mile) race began, the ladies were thrilled when almost 700 runners took part and almost $15,000 was raised to help the Dedham Food Pantry. This year, Dedham`s Annual family gratitude Turkey Trot featured over 1,700 registered runners, hundreds of additional walkers, and they were well on their way to raising $50,000 for the food pantry, Rob Blaney`s Dedham Youth Commission, and a project to complete a much needed playground that began last May in East Dedham.

To date, Ripples of Hope has donated over $135,000 back to the Town, not to mention the “tons” of food it has collected for the pantry!

Each year, Linda Hurley and a group of volunteers from the Noble and Greenough school here in Dedham has collected, sorted out and distributed bags upon bags of non-perishable items brought to them at the race each Thanksgiving. This year, the Nobles van was loaded with donations that filled 80 tubs, each weighing over 20 pounds!

Needham Bank has been instrumental in the race`s success each year, and once again they came through to be the event`s lead sponsor. A Tent for Rent, the Beth Israel Deaconess – Needham, Whole Foods – Dedham, the Petrini Corp, Crescent Ridge Dairy, Table Talk Pies, Dedham Youth Lacrosse, Grogan and company, Dicks Sporting Goods, Dedham Savings, and the Carlos Andrade franchise Dunkin Donuts have also been on board for all five years. These companies are to be commended and join an ever growing list of local sponsors.

We met the women once again in the cold darkness long before dawn, at the Endicott Estate on Thanksgiving morning, as they hustled with clipboards, lists, and files in hand going between groups of volunteers already hard at work.

By 7am Rob Blaney`s music was pumping, tables of supplies had been set up and stocked by over 100 volunteers, Joe Flanagan`s DPW crews were hard at work and the runners and their families began to arrive in droves. Dedham`s race Director, Pat Sweeney, worked nonstop attending to details, right up until race time. State Representative Paul McMurtry was on hand, working the crowd and offering his support where needed, along with extending his best wishes to those participating.

At 8am there was a half-mile “kid`s race” around the estate that featured over 150 local children. By 8:30am the 5k runners had lined up on Mt Vernon St for over a block. After a stirring rendition of our national anthem and some words of thanks and encouragement from Pat Sweeney and Kristen Atwood, Representative McMurtry helped with the countdown and the long anticipated race began.

Sixteen minutes and thirty nine seconds later, 23 year old Michael Creedon of Cambridge crossed the finish line, followed by John Sullivan and Ryan Mulcahy a full minute later. Nineteen year old Allie Morris of Walpole was the first woman to cross the line (17:55) and Dedham`s Matthew Rogler (17:53) and Sean Kineavy (18:17) were first and second for the home team.

This year`s race featured participants ranging in age from 3 years old to 81 and was a huge success from start to finish. A wonderful way to spend Thanksgiving morning and the benefits can be shared all year!