Monday, Nov. 30, 2020 -- In addition to handling the marketing and public relations for the virtual 73rd Troy Turkey Trot, we also co-produced the event's Thanksgiving day livestream.
The broadcast, hosted by WNYT Health Reporter Benita Zahn, featured reports from the live leaderboard and interviews with Troy Mayor Patrick Madden, representatives from the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph's House and Shelter, Uncle Sam, and longtime Trotters.
2,632 participants from 36 states, two Canadian provinces and the nation of Turkey participated in the Trot, which was held Thursday, Nov. 26 through Saturday, Nov. 28.
"It's extremely gratifying that so many people continued to support the Trot during these challenging times," said Troy Mayor Patrick Madden. "The pandemic has caused a tremendous amount of isolation and our hope was to bring friends and families together through our custom mobile app, which allowed participants to race with others, real time, regardless of their location. The app gave Trotters a memorable experience and helped families with loved ones around the country feel like they were connected.
"The virtual format also presented us with an unparalleled opportunity to share the spirit of the Troy Turkey Trot — fun, family and fitness — with 14 other Troy communities across the nation," Madden continued. "It was tremendously heartening to have elected officials from Troy, Kan., Troy, Mich. and Troy, Ill. accept our invitation and participate during the event's three-day running window."
Despite event registrations being down 60 percent compared to 2019 (6,400 participants) due to the pandemic, Trotters donated $18,500 — a record amount — to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Joseph's House & Shelter, during online registration.
"This event was a huge success in terms of raising funds to fight two insidious disorders in our society, hunger and homelessness," added Event Director George Regan. "To raise more money than we have ever raised with significantly fewer participants says something special about Trotters' giving spirit. These donations will make a major impact to these organizations as they feed hungry families and provide warm shelter to homeless men, women and children."