Gold’s Gym host 12th annual turkey day 5K

JACKSON, Tenn — Hundreds of west Tennesseans gathered for a Turkey Day 5K before indulging in Thanksgiving dinners. For the past 12 years, Gold’s Gym has hosted the 5K run. Owner of Gold’s Gym, Steve Roten said the race started as a small idea to benefit a local charity.

“Never did we know it was going to be this big of a deal going forward but you know the sky’s the limit for this thing still.” Roten said.

Organizers said more than 800 people registered, and all the proceeds will go directly to RIFA.

Volunteer with RIFA, Dan Ward said, “It’s wonderful to see so many people this morning out on Thanksgiving willing to invest in the lives of others and that’s exactly what’s happening.”

Runners said the event was a great way to get their family members moving and active before diving into Thanksgiving day dinner.

“I’m the health coach at Stanley Black & Decker and we decided to get a group together to run today and I’ve got my son Tucker here with me and we’re real excited to be here,” runner, Angela Webb said.

Tina Todd said she has been participating for 4 years, and decided to bring her husband along to get a morning workout.

“We like doing this also because of health reasons and the doctor said because of him running and exercising it did help save his life,” Todd said.

The runners with the fastest times received special trophies. Sam Darnall came in at 15:56, and won 1st place. Many participants spent the morning with their loved ones while reflecting on what makes the holiday so special.

“Definitely just getting to see all my family come in to town just to get to hang out with them,” Darnall said.

Todd said, “eating, family.. it’s family then eating.”

Gold’s Gym also gave out pumpkin pies to those who placed 1st through 3rd place.