by Carolyn Carpenter
Click here to view a photo gallery of the event.
The 2012 HLGU Trojan Turkey Trek, held on Saturday, November 3 was once again a success. The chilly morning temps, in the low 40s, did not deter the 170+ runners and walkers who participated in the 8th Annual “TTT” 5K Run/Walk and Kid’s Fun Run on the campus of Hannibal-LaGrange University. Runners came from surrounding communities, along with participants from St. Louis and Kansas City, MO, Plano and Jacksonville, IL, Kansas, and New Hampshire.
The “TTT” 5K Run/Walk and Kid’s Fun Run are annual events that benefit HLGU mission trips. The 5K Run/Walk began at 8:30 a.m. on the grounds of the Mabee Sports Complex followed by the ½-mile fun run for kids. Overall winners for the 8th Annual TTT were: (female) Josie Walsh of Canton, MO (22:12.3) and (male) Ryan Constable of Hannibal (19:35.3). This year’s awards were sponsored by the Hannibal Regional Medical Group.
Overall alumni winners were Janelle Strother (24:55.8) and Sebastian Gonzalez (24:25.1). Overall male master winner Jim Humphreys (24:37.3) and overall female master winner Joni Wilson (26:45.5) took first place honors in their respected category.
Major sponsors for this year’s TTT included: Dr. Charlie Janes and Dr. Tim Lewis. Other sponsors for this year’s TTT included: Tom Boland Ford, Big River Propane, Abel Oil. The top two runners in each age group received medals and the top overall runners received $25 cash. Children who participated in the non-competitive fun each received a ribbon.
Marisa Brown-Ellison, HLGU alumna and coordinator for the annual event, was very pleased with this year’s race. “Once again, we had a record number of paid participants with over 170 runners/walkers. I’m thankful to our 2012 TTT sponsors for their support. This is a very special event that is successful because of the hard work and efforts of so many.”
The Trojan Turkey Trek is a fundraising event that helps defray the costs of mission trips for HLGU students. HLGU has been nationally recognized and awarded for the mission emphasis of the University. Students have opportunities each semester break (fall, Christmas, spring, and summer) to participate in missions or service projects locally, nationally, and internationally. The money raised from the Trojan Turkey Trek helps to offset student fundraising endeavors. Mark your calendars for next year’s trek: Saturday, November 2, 2013.