Hundreds sideline sleeping for Gobble Wobble

Proceeds benefit the Shenango Conservancy preservation projects.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA STAFF
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- While most were lingering in their pajamas Thanksgiving morning watching parades and preparing feasts, an estimated 850 people were running through Buhl Park.
The 18th annual Gobble Wobble 5K, sponsored by the Shenango Conservancy, had a record number of 795 preregistrants and about 50 more runners showed up on race day.
Organizer Gary Lackey estimated there were at least 1,000 people in the park between runners and spectators.
"It's like a homecoming almost. People come into town for the holiday and stop by the Gobble Wobble to see old friends," Lackey said.
He also surmises that many want to feel good about a brisk morning run before gorging on turkey and pies.
"One thing that amazes me is how happy people are on a Thursday morning. I think it's because they're not at work, and they know there's food coming later," Lackey said.
The race also is family or group oriented with the cost at $8 per person or maximum $16 for a family or group. Lackey said if a family or group registers, the cost is $2 per person after the first two family or group members.
Run for fun
"A lot of serious runners will come to a race like this and not run for time, but might run with a child or a spouse for fun," he said.
Winners walked off with the coveted Turkey Medals, a medal with a picture of a turkey in running shoes, and there were door prizes for others.
Ken Foster, 19, of Brookville, Pa., finished first with a time of 16 minutes and 51 seconds.
The Shenango Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the upkeep of the Kidd's Mill Bridge in Transfer, Pa., and the historic preservation and conservation of natural resources in the Shenango River watershed.
Lackey said they usually raise about $5,000.
cioffi@vindy.com