More than 150 runners and walkers joined Barbour Community Health Association for its 14th annual Turkey Trot on Saturday, November 1, at the Belington Wellness Center, raising $5,000 to support local hunger relief efforts in Barbour County.
Promoted as an opportunity to “gobble, gallop, and give thanks,” the Turkey Trot featured both a 5K run/walk and a 1-Mile Fun Trot. Proceeds benefited the Heart & Hand House food pantry and the Belington Presbyterian Church’s Thanksgiving Day meal program, which provides more than 400 meals each year.
“Everywhere you look, families are working hard to make ends meet,” said Eric Ruf, Chief Executive Officer of BCHA. “It means a lot to see so many people come together, not only to focus on health and wellness, but to lend a hand to neighbors who might be having a tough year.”
This year’s event saw record participation with 73 online registrations, up 160% from 2024, 150 total racers, a 50% increase from 2024, and 275 non-perishable food items donated.
Overall race winners were Scott Nesland with a time of 18:46 and Heidi Hoxie with a time of 24:17.
Top finishers by age group included Kinsley Ricottilli (Under 10 F, 27:27), Colton Mullenax (11-14 M, 26:15), Calianna Wilfong (11-14 F, 35:28), Ethan Neal (15-19 M, 30:30), Jake Harris (20-29 M, 34:08), Destiny Deleon (20-29 F, 35:37), Thomas Hoxie (30-39 M, 25:22), Mikayla Edwards (30-39 F, 39:14), Ben Shaffer (40-49 M, 23:57), Lori Chenoweth (40-49 F, 29:53), Michael Polomski (50-59 M, 26:35), Jeanine Zurbach (50-59 F, 29:57), Wesley Elmore (60-69 M, 24:31), Leann Lesser (60-69 F, 32:49), Paul Foy (70+ M, 31:50) and Mary Lind (70+ F, 46:25).
“Wellness isn’t just about check-ups or running during the Turkey Trot,” said Kim Bolton, BCHA Wellness Center Director. “It’s about caring for one another. This event is proof that this community shows up to lift each other up.”
BCHA expressed gratitude to the many local businesses and organizations that sponsored the 2025 Turkey Trot, including Agency LMC, Barb’s Restaurant, Belington Bakery, Belington Wellness Center, Blue Ridge Risk Partners, Cintas, Citizens Bank of West Virginia, Crimbridge Coffee Emporium, Cvecho Insurance, Edward Jones — Gene Cowgill, Elkins Physical Therapy, Freedom Bank, Hometown Care, Hometown Pizzeria, JC Construction Company, LabCorp, Lake’s Bookkeeping & Taxes, Mace’s Pharmacy, Mark Joseph CPA, Mountain Hospice, Powell Inc., Shop-n-Save, Snyder Industries, Tygart Valley Health & Rehabilitation and Tygart Valley Supply.
“BCHA is proud to host this event every year,” said Ruf. “This event would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our incredible team and volunteers. We’re extremely proud and thankful of our organization and our community for standing behind this event and making it happen.”
Next year’s Turkey Trot is scheduled for November 7, 2026.
