Haddon Township has created a Thanksgiving weekend tradition that reduces the waistline instead of increasing it.

The annual 5K Turkey Trot and 1K Fun Run brought more than 800 participants to Haddon Avenue on Saturday morning. Both race routes were modified due to bridge construction on West Park Blvd. 

"This is the biggest turnout ever with over 800 registered for the Fun Run and 5K," Commissioner John Foley, who organizes the event each year, said. "We hope to donate over $6,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Southern New Jersey."

The cold weather did not dampen the spirits of the race participants. Rachel Taylor returned as the township turkey to entertain the children taking part in the Fun Run while others took their picture with the turkey cutout near the finish line.

Bob Platzer, owner of the Pour House, was surprised to hear how many runners participated this year. When the run began six years ago, Platzer provided a hot breakfast for approximately 100 runners inside his Haddon Avenue restaurant.

"This year, in addition to the complimentary hot breakfast buffet inside, we brought in our food truck to provide breakfast sandwiches to runners outside," Platzer said. "Our staff looks forward to helping the community with its fund raising efforts for the JDRF." 

Official race results will be available at DQ events results page online. The unofficial results of the 5K are:

Men: Eric Dubois

Women: Vanessa Wright

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