For the second year in a row, denizens of Douglaston honored the memory of long-time manor resident Dick Lynch by participating in an annual 5K run named after the former New York Giants cornerback.
"It's a real family friendly event as well as a great way to support the community and the memory of Dick Lynch," said Kristi Muccini, of Douglaston.
Indeed, the Second Annual Dick Lynch Turkey Trot featured raffles, prices, and giveaways with proceeds from the event being donated to the Douglaston Village Chamber of Commerce.
Even so, for some of the participants in the 3.1 mile race, running in this year's Turkey Trot was also about getting in some exercise before settling down to a big Thanksgiving Day feast.
"I love running," said Jared Fertig, a freshman at SUNY Binghamton who was home visiting his family for the holiday.
As always, runners in the 5 kilometer race were awarded cigars as they crossed the finish line and Rod O'Connell, of Bryce Rea Realty was among the pack, which happily brought up the rear of the race.
"I came in last last year and was hoping to improve upon that," he said.
But in the end, the Second Annual Turkey Trot wasn't about winners or losers, but rather a community coming together to celebrate the holidays and remember one of their own.
"It's a great event, where everyone gets to see each other and take away some of the stress of the holiday," said Karen Karlander-Vomschmeling.
