In 2009, the organizers of the brand new nonprofit Comal Cops for Kids organized the first Gruene Turkey Trot 5K & Kids Turkey Chase in hopes that 250 local runners could forgo their usual Thanksgiving routine during a very first morning fundraiser.
They received nearly 750 that day, and the following year about 1,200 people responded to the event co-founded by Comal County District Attorney Jennifer Tharp and Det. Sgt. Tommy Ward from the Comal County Sheriff’s Office.
With the exception of last year’s absence for COVID-19, the event is growing every year. On Thursday morning, nearly 1,500 took part in the festivities in cloudy and cool conditions.
“We had a fantastic turkey trot,†Tharp said. “This year was our 13th annual turkey trot with 1,638 registered for the race and 1,478 participants finishing the 5K. Honestly, we didn’t know what to expect given the rain forecast and the departure.
The run / walk through the historic Gruene district started and ended in front of Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas. Children under the age of 12 competed in a turkey mascot chase through town as competitors raced for medals in age groups and divisions.
According to the Athletes Guild, 1,198 completed the race. The best man was Angel Laura with a time of 15 minutes, 45 seconds, and the best woman was Alexandra Walker with a time of 18:25. Comal County Judge Sherman Krause won first place in his age category (22:55; group 50-55) and District 53 State Representative Andrew Murr won the bronze medal ( 25:23; third age 55).
“Many families participated as a group and said they were adding more and more family members each year,†Tharp said. “Proceeds from today’s run will go to Blue Santa and Green Santa as well as other nonprofits in town that partner with law enforcement and work with children.”
Comal Cops for Kids thanked the following for their generous donations: Gruene Hall, Gristmill, KGNB & KNBT Radio, Nestlé’s Nesquick, Wright Distribution, Walmart, The Athlete Guild, D&M Construction, High Sierra Water Co., Hayes Marketing, NB Police Officer’s Association, Cooper’s BBQ, Comal County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Mark Long, Lawyer, Bare Bull BBQ, Moore Erection M & S Engineering, HMT Engineering & Surveying, Brooks Stone Ranch, PureNature LLC and New Braunfels Feed & Supply .
