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Arenzville 5K 2014

The Source

It’s becoming a tradition as much anticipated as football and Burgoo in Arenzville as the town begins Thanksgiving Day with its annual Turkey Day 5K Run/Walk. “The thing seems to grow a little every year,” said organizer Jay Wessler who initiated the yearly event seven years ago. “Arenzville’s not big a place,” said Wessler, so in order to get a 5K stretch we’ve got to do some wiggling around.” Runners and walkers will gather at 106 East Fredrick Street in Arenzville at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning at the garage of Don Wessler. In lieu of an entry fee the organizers suggest cash donations to the Triopia Food Bank. Drew Snodgrass and wife Maria will be driving up from St. Louis to take part. “I came from this area,” said Snodgrass, “and now my whole family meets in Arenzville on Thanksgiving morning. It’s become a real tradition for us. Some of us run and some of us walk, but it’s a great way to get some exercise before the big meal of the year.” Recent Turkey Day 5K’s have drawn folks from Chicago, Milwaukee, and Bloomington as well as local participants. For reasons that no one can quite explain, family pets have become a part of the Turkey Day event. “The group sort of spreads out into several sections,” said Pete Wessler, the event’s promoter. “First the serious runners, then the recreational runners, then the walkers, and finally the poodles. I don’t know how that got started but it’s fun to watch.” The planners invite everyone to come join in the fun and exercise on Thanksgiving morning. It’s a great way to catch up with folks and meet their dogs.