Annual Turkey Trot, fitness walk are a huge success
On Nov. 24, the MONOC helicopter landed on Hourihan Field with Santa Claus aboard to deliver candy canes to all the kids attending the second annual Turkey Trot 5k & Fitness Walk. This kicked off the second annual event by the Matawan Borough Recreation Commission.

This event has become an annual community event designed to raise funds that will be directly used for the revitalization of Matawan Parks. Last years' race proceeds were used to make significant improvements to Joseph Penniplede Park (formally Jackson Street Park). These improvements included a new basketball surface on the court, safety improvements and repairs to the court lights, repair of playground drainage, fence repairs and a new sign. These improvements have made a strong impact on the neighborhood children.

Once again this event has left me humbled by the generous support of our local businesses and organizations, especially our three marquee sponsors - Bayshore Community Hospital, Maser Consulting and Edgewood Properties. These sponsors along with many other community businesses have enabled us to nearly double our proceeds from last year. These proceeds will be used to improve the signage in our parks, as well as to begin long-term park revitalization projects, including Gravelly Brook Park.

The second annual turkey trot was an overwhelming success because of the outpouring of voluntary support by our local organizations including the Matawan Fire Department, Matawan First Aid Squad, Monmouth County Fire Police, Office of Emergency Management, Community Response Team, Monmouth County Sheriff Department and the Matawan Little League. Most importantly I want to thank our volunteer staff of local residents and Recreation Commissioners who orchestrated the entire event, without whose dedication events like this cannot succeed. I commend you all.

I would also like to congratulate all of our participants for braving the cold for a good cause and an opportunity to "burn off some stuffing" especially our two overall winners, Nick Carbone, and 13- year-old Cayla Del Piano who both walked away with complimentary frozen turkeys. On behalf of the Matawan Recreation Commission, I once again thank all of our sponsors, runners and volunteers who made this event possible. See you next year!

Full results can be seen at www.matawanborough.com

Michael J. Mullaney Second Annual Turkey Trot

Race Director