Participants in the Turkey Bowl held on Thanksgiving morning at Tel Hai Camp and Retreat have run through stormy weather, rain, fog and even snow flurries, but this year's weather on Nov. 23 was ideal.

"We had a beautiful morning for our 32nd annual Turkey Bowl race. The weather was beautiful this year, probably the best I've ever seen, which helped to encourage more runners to sign up," said Bruce Gregory, camp director. "We had (more than 600) participants this year - up quite a bit from last year's 480."

He noted that those who attended the event, which featured a 5K race and a 1-mile children's fun run, included new people as well as those who attend the event annually. "We are grateful to all of those who have made this a family tradition. I am even beginning to see the third generation joining the race now," Gregory stated. "We also saw many new runners this year."  

Chip timing for the day was provided by Second Wind Race Timing. "We chipped both the 5K race and the 1-mile children's fun run again this year," said Gregory. "Our turkey mascot was here again, and the kids enjoyed taking photos with him. Santa Claus also made an appearance this year decked out in his red coat and running shorts."

Gregory noted that more than 20 local businesses and individuals sponsored or donated to the race, and 45 volunteers worked at the event.

The top overall male winner was Noah Taylor, 20, of Mohnton with a time of 17 minutes, 37 seconds. The top overall female winner was Aubrey Ressler, 15, of New Holland with a time of 20:53. "This was (Taylor's) third year in a row to take the top spot, his fourth time (in) total. This was (Ressler's) second year in a row to take the top spot for females," Gregory said.

Gregory reported that there were 493 finishers in the 5K race and 111 finishers in the 1-mile fun run. "(The youngsters) all did a great job in their race, even the real young ones who pushed through to the finish line," he said. "A number of parents and grandparents ran alongside the young ones, encouraging them on."

The top overall male finisher in the 1-mile event was Caleb Sensenig, 8, of Gap, with a time of 6:40. In her first time competing, Rebecca Fisher, 9, of Honey Brook, was the top overall female finisher in the 1-miler with a time of 7:35.

To view the results of the event, visit http://www.secondwindtiming.com and search for "Tel Hai Camp Turkey Bowl Race" under the Results tab.