Festive holiday-themed runs scheduled throughout the area

On Thursday, nearly 500 runners and walkers came out for Pottstown‘s 13th annual Toss Your Turkey 5K. In keeping with tradition, many dressed up in festive accessories, frozen turkeys were tossed and entrants received pies as prizes.

Being motivated to get out the door on the holiday isn’t for everyone, but for some, it offers a good outlet, both physical and social.

“In the fall and winter, people are getting back into the routine and looking forward to Thanksgiving, Funky Santa and New Year runs when they are getting in tune with the new year and getting their 2024 goals in place,” said Carina Hatfield of Spring City who is the co-founder of Manatawny Athletic Club with Daniel Price of Pottstown.

One of Hatfield’s favorite aspects of the Toss Your Turkey 5K is that it’s for those of all levels of experience, whether running or walking.

“There are some who are very competitive and fast, and there are also people who walk it, and make it a family event,“ she said. “I like that it’s for everyone.”

Pottsgrove athletic program

The Turkey Trot supports the Pottsgrove School District Athletic Program, which Hatfield and Price were a part of in their youth. Hatfield, who grew up in Pottstown, was a 1998 graduate and Price, 2000.

“I ran cross country, so it has always been near and dear to my heart,“ Hatfield said. “The reason the run started was to support the cross country team, but it has evolved and now supports all Pottsgrove athletics.”

This is the second year the Manatawny Athletic Club has helped support the 5K by getting sponsorships and creating awareness in the community.

It was just last year when Hatfield and Price founded their athletic club.

“We want to foster and pursue positive benefits through any form of athleticism and make it accessible to the Pottstown surrounding area,” she said.

Couch to 5K

Currently on a break from offering weekly group runs, they aim to get new runners to join by offering another Couch to 5K program as they have done previously.

“It’s for those new to running who want to get active,” Hatfield said.

The club currently has around 50 members and is looking to grow.

“Our goal is to create awareness of other ways to be active and promote health and wellness in the Pottstown area,” she said. “It’s not just about running, it’s about creating a positive well-being.”

Hatfield’s favorite aspect of running is multifaceted.

“It’s the camaraderie, the social aspect, feeling safe in a group, and having someone to be accountable to,” she said.

Formed many friendships

Hatfield has formed many friendships through the Pottstown running community.

“We do other things to explore areas of wellness we are curious about, such as the salt cave in Boyertown where we went together,” Hatfield said.

For the past 10 years, Hatfield has gotten together with fellow runners for the Turkey Trot where she has helped hand out awards. First-place winners on Thursday took home either an apple, pumpkin, or blueberry pie.

“It’s a good incentive to come out on Thanksgiving Day and it’s cool they get to take a pie home,” she said.

Funky Santa 5K

Next up is Pottstown’s annual Funky Santa 5K run on Sunday, Dec. 3. It offers a chance to dress up in your holiday best and head out to Riverfront Park where you’ll find Christmas decorations, candy canes, cookies, and fun prizes.

Awards go to those who are best dressed and the most spirited social teams, in addition to the more traditional top three male and female overall and age group awards.

Funky Santa 5K hosted by the RUNegades will be held Sunday, Dec. 4, at 9 a.m. The race starts in front of Montgomery County Community College, 140 College Dr., Pottstown, and will take you through Pottstown Riverfront Park. Preregistration cost is $30 through Dec 3, and a $35 entry fee on race day. For more information, visit Facebook: RUNegades