The 31st annual Turkey Bowl was held on Thanksgiving morning at Tel Hai Camp and Retreat in Honey Brook. The event included a 5K race and a 1-mile children's fun run.

"We had a beautiful morning for our annual Turkey Bowl race. I think this year's weather was even nicer than last year, which helped to encourage more runners," said Bruce Gregory, camp director.

Participants in the event were of various ages, backgrounds and locations. "I believe our youngest registered participant this year was about 2 years old and the oldest was 80," noted Gregory. "We had great showing from Honey Brook and surrounding towns, as well and many families that have made (participating in the Turkey Bowl) a tradition. We also had many from out of state from all over the country ... visiting family for the holidays. We had many new runners this year."

He noted that about 40 volunteers helped at the event, and 26 local businesses sponsored or donated to the race. "Many of our sponsors and donors also either participated in the race or volunteered," Gregory noted.

Second Wind Race Timing provided the chip timing for the event. "This year, we chipped both the 5K race and the 1-mile children's fun run," said Gregory. "I believe the children enjoy starting under the big blue arch. Our Turkey Mascot was here again, and the kids enjoyed taking photos with him. Santa Claus was busy up North this year and could not make it."

The top overall male winner was Noah Taylor, 19, of Mohnton, with a time of 17 minutes, 8 seconds. "This was his second year in a row to take the top spot, his third time total," Gregory noted. The top overall female winner was Aubrey Ressler, 14, of New Holland, with a time of 20:44.

"We had 352 finishers in the 5K race (and) 77 finishers in the 1-mile kids' fun run. They all did a great job in their race, even the really young ones, who pushed through to the finish line," Gregory said. "It was good to see some of the parents run alongside the young ones encouraging them on."

The top overall male finisher in the 1-mile run was Elias McConaghay, 11, with a time of 6:41. Elias and his family, who hail from New York, have been running in the race together for several years. Hannah Yoder, 11, a resident of Indiana, was the top overall female finisher with a time of 7:20. This was her first year taking part in the event.

A complete list of Turkey Bowl finishers, including their individual times, and a listing of sponsors and donors is available at http://www.telhaicamp.org/events/turkey-bowl-run.