The brisk weather is perfect for the annual Turkey Trot. This year's proceeds benefit the "Derek Kotecki Memorial Fund."
PROCEEDS SUPPORT "DEREK KOTECKI MEMORIAL FUND"
Campus Sponsors 32nd Annual Race
10:00 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 19, Athletics Center
Proceeds from Penn State New Kensington's annual Turkey Trot 5K will benefit the family of Patrolman Derek Kotecki, the Lower Burrell police officer who was slain Oct. 12 in the line of duty. Entry fees for the Nov. 19 race will go to the "Derek Kotecki Memorial Fund" that was set up by the Fraternal Order of Police, Allegheny Valley Lodge #39 for Kotecki's wife and two children, ages 13 and 9.
"Our Turkey Trot is going to be dedicated to the Kotecki family," said Kevin Snider, chancellor of the campus. "This is a great opportunity to get some healthy exercise while benefiting one of our local heroes."
A pre-Thanksgiving fixture at the campus since 1980, the race has grown into a 5K, one of the classic distances of running events. Open to the public, the 3.1–mile run through the campus and Upper Burrell is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the campus Athletics Center. There is also a one-mile family fun run/walk that starts at 10:15 a.m.
"I think it is important to create a tradition for students and their families and friends," said Pepsi Hutton, race coordinator and instructor in kinesiology at the campus. "Our goal is to sponsor a fun, family-friendly race to promote health and wellness in the community." The 5K course begins at the Athletics Center, crosses the upper parking lot and heads down Myers Drive to the turnaround point. Participants then backtrack to the finish line at the Athletics Center.
The entry fee is $15 for college and high school students with ID; $20 for campus faculty and staff; and $25 for local residents. A special family fee of $25 lets four family-members participate in the distances of their choosing.
Frozen turkeys will be awarded to the winners of each of the four age categories: 18-24; 25-32; 33-44; 45-and over. All registrants receive a "Turkey Trot" t-shirt and a goodie bag.
For more information, call or e-mail Hutton at 724-334-6747 or plh20@psu.edu via email.
Those who cannot make the Turkey Trot but wish to support the Kotecki family can donate directly to the Derek Kotecki Memorial Fund, S&T Bank, 4251 Old William Penn Highway, Murrysville, Pa., 15668. In addition, a website has been created in the officer's honor, and the sale of a specially-designed memorial t-shirt will benefit the widow and children.
For more about Patrolman Kotecki and to order a t-shirt, visit http://www.officerkotecki.com/ online.