SAYRE, Pa (WENY) -- As the holiday season begins, the 18th annual Guthrie Sayre Turkey Trot helped bring the community together on Thursday, Nov. 28th, for a morning of fitness, fun, and giving back. Despite being on the cold and snowy side, over 1,200 runners laced up to support a good cause.

"It is our biggest event in history, with over 1,200 runners, and we are so excited to be here," says Nicole Vanfleet, Annual Giving Special Event Officer at Guthrie. 

The Turkey Trot raises funds to support families facing financial challenges due to medical bills. This year, the event raised over $65,000 for Guthrie Cancer patients, helping to ease their financial burdens and bring a bit of holiday cheer during difficult times.

"This is wonderful. We have amazing sponsors. The Robert Packer Hospital Auxiliary has been our presenting sponsor for years and Williams Toyota of Sayre. They came back again this year as a platinum sponsor, along with a long list of amazing people that have made this race happen and helped us raise over $65,000 for Guthrie cancer patients receiving treatment that may be facing a financial crisis during this holiday season," added Vanfleet.

Participants braved the chilly weather, with snow falling throughout the morning event. One runner, Gavin Bowers, a college student, who was home for Thanksgiving, took first place, finishing 3.1 miles in just 17 minutes.

"It's a fun race," says Bowers. "I've never ran a race with like well snow actively snowing out, so that was really pretty and my toes were freezing since the start, but I'd say probably it wasn't until like the last half mile till my toes felt fine."

For some, the Turkey Trot was about more than just running. Abbey Burgess, who attended in festive attire, brought extra holiday spirit by dressing as a turkey to cheer on runners and walkers.

"Just to bring the spirit for Thanksgiving," shared Abby Burgess. "I mean, if I was running and I saw a turkey, it'd push me a little more. I guess, I don't know, it'd make me happy. "

The Guthrie Sayre Turkey Trot is a cherished holiday tradition, offering the community a chance to celebrate, give back, and work up and appetite just in time for the big feast.