Turkey Dash Hopes to Raise $25K for Breast Cancer Patients

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving in Avon without the Turkey Dash.

The , a Thanksgiving-morning 5K run/walk, begins at 9 a.m. at , and will raise money for the Karen P. Nakon Breast Cancer Foundation to provide need-based financial aid to women undergoing breast cancer treatments.

Stacey Rusher, administrator at the foundation, said she expects about 1,200 Turkey-Day trotters this year.

“We’ll probably net about $25,000 for this race,” she said.

The race was started in 2004 by friends of Nakon – who lived in the Red Tail neighborhood and was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was pregnant with her third child – as a way to honor her after her death in 2003.

That first year, Rusher said about 85 runners participated. Through word of mouth, it has grown to the second-largest fundraising event of the year, she said.

“It’s a nice thing to do on Thanksgiving, when you’re thinking about all the things you’re thankful for,” she said. “The race kicks off at 9 a.m., and you can be home basting your turkey by 11.”

The Nakon Foundation has raised more than $76,000 through the Turkey Dash, and the event now accounts for nearly 20 percent of the organization’s annual fundraising, Rusher said.

Rusher said those wishing to participate in the family-friendly race can still register, for $22, at Avon High School Wednesday, Nov. 23, from 5-7 p.m., or on the morning of the race starting at 7:30 a.m.