YMCA Turkey Trot celebrates their 129th year

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- On the morning of Thanksgiving, 14,000 people started off the holiday giving back to the community one step at a time.

"We're called the city of good neighbors for a reason, that's because we all work together," said Michael Baggerman, Communications Director of the YMCA Buffalo Niagara. "We believe in good causes and one of those causes is the YMCA Turkey Trot."

Last year, the race raised 1.1 million dollars for the YMCA Buffalo Niagara, helping to benefit 6,000 people in Western New York.

"The funds from the YMCA Turkey Trot go to combat food insecurities in our community, it helps safe and affordable child care, it helps ensure health equity, it helps kids learn how to be safe around water--that and so much more." said Baggerman.

The snow and rain mixture didn't stop runners from wanting to take part in the Thanksgiving run that is currently celebrating its 129th year.

"The community's spirit is so alive at events like this, even though the weather is less than ideal," said runner Jessica Oleana.

"It's a very Buffalo thing to do to go out and have fun even when the weather is miserable," added William Oleana.

The race wrapped up at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.

Thomas Appenheimer from Buffalo was the overall winner and fastest male, finishing the nearly five mile race in 23 minutes and 47 seconds. Gabrielle Orie won for the second year in a row for women participating in the trot, finishing the race in 26 minutes and 37 seconds.

For more information on YMCA Buffalo Niagara programs, you can click here.