Turkey Trot walkers, runners gobble up idea of helping others

Runners and walkers make their way onto Suisun Valley Road during the beginning of the Solano Turkery Trot Thursday morning. (Daily Republic/Adam Smith)

FAIRFIELD — More than 2,200 people braved a cool, crisp fall morning to raise money for four nonprofits at the fourth annual Solano Turkey Trot. Participants could choose a 5K or 10K run or a 5K walk.

The youngest participants were most likely 9-month-old twins, William and Matthew Bauer, nestled in a jogging stroller pushed alternately by mom, Meghan Bauer, and dad, Jason Bauer, along the race route.

Roger Maxwell, of Martinsville, Ind., joined the locals in the 5K. He’s in the area visiting his daughter Leah Moore, who lives in Suisun City. Moore signed both of them up to run. “She is the runner, I’d rather be on a bike,” he said after doing some leg stretches. He was one of five family members participating.

That number was topped by Kim Utsler and his wife Debbie Utsler. Their daughters, Sarah Bishop and Rebecca Wilson, walked with their parents as well as Wilson’s children Emily Wilson, 10, Lizzie Wilson, 8, and Kaylee Wilson, 4. Zachary Bishop, 15 months, was perched atop  his mother’s back. Madison Wilson, 7 months, traveled the route in her stroller.

All but Debbie Utsler donned turkey hats. “I forgot mine,” she joked. “I’ll have to walk three steps behind everyone.”

Bentley Regehr, who is majoring in physics at Fort Hays State in Kansas, was the first to finish the 5K. He’s visiting his mother, who lives in Fairfield, for the holiday.

Eric Brooks was the second to cross the finish line for the 5K. He’s done the race all four years. For years two and three, his dad ran with him. In February, his dad died. The route took him right by the Rockville Cemetery where his father is buried. “I ran in his memory,” Brooks said.

Armijo High School freshman Thomas Weisz donned the traditional turkey costume for the race. “It’s tiring, very tiring,” he said after finishing the 5K.  It was a little warm, too. But, he was still willing to consider doing the same for the 2013 Turkey Trot. “We’ll see how it goes,” Weisz said.

The oldest participant is believed to be 81-year-old John Milne of Vallejo. He runs about seven miles every other day. And, when he isn’t running, he’s doing laps in the pool, he said.

Proceeds from the Solano Turkey Trot go to the Children’s Nurturing Project, Heather House, Meals on Wheels and Mission Solano.

The first Solano Turkey Trot drew about 1,200 participants, organizers said. The goal for 2013 is 3,000 participants.

Reach Amy Maginnis-Honey at 427-6957 or amaginnis@dailyrepublic.net. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/amaginnisdr.

Amy Maginnis-Honey

Amy Maginnis-Honey joined the staff of the Daily Republic in 1980. She’ll tell you she was only 3 at the time. Over the past three decades she’s done a variety of jobs in the newsroom. Today, she covers arts and entertainment and writes for the Living and news pages.

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