Fair Haven Turkey Trot Organizers Look Ahead To 2023 Race

FAIR HAVEN, NJ — The ninth annual Fair Haven Turkey Trot was well attended on Thanksgiving morning, with plenty of runners, walkers and holiday revelers, said Borough Council President Chris Rodriguez.

And he said he expects the community event to grow next year.

Rodriguez said that next year there will be a race committee "to handle the growing needs and allow the event to continue to blossom."

A runner himself, he is a big supporter of the annual run and provided an update on the winners:

"Kids and adults came out to trot, walk their pets, and play some games throughout Fair Haven Fields. Many contributed donations to the annual U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots drive, which continues in town for a few more weeks," he said in an update in late November.

• The three-lap course winners were Sean Bailey, 14:20, and Kristan Dietz, 15:58.
• Winners in the under 18 category were Finnley Reid Knollwood fifth grader, 16:39, and Isabella Rodriguez, Rumson-Fair Haven High School sophomore, 17:02.

Each winner took home handcrafted Turkey Trot Trophies for their Thanksgiving dinner table, Rodriguez said.

"A big shout-out to the Fair Haven governing body members and residents for working the aid stations distributing food and beverages. Special shout outs to Christine Braceland for the amazing photographs," Rodriguez said.

The annual race and toy drive are supported by dozens of local families with contributions to the event supplying race essentials and toys for those less fortunate this holiday season.

Visit the Toys for Tots site to see where you can still donate toys in the area.