Green Brook Turkey Trot 5K Finds New Home With Fire Company

GREEN BROOK, NJ — A beloved township tradition is getting a fresh start. The annual Green Brook Turkey Trot 5K, long organized by Joe Patanella’s Green Brook Racing and sponsored by the Green Brook PBA, will now be run by the Green Brook Fire Company.

When Patanella decided to retire Green Brook Racing, the future of the Thanksgiving race was uncertain. That’s when the Green Brook Fire Company stepped forward, seeing the event as a perfect way for the Fire Company to stay active in the community, raise funds, and keep the tradition alive.

The Fire Company’s race committee connected with Committeeman Jerry Searfoss, the Township Committee’s Fire Department liaison, to shape the plan.

With the blessing of both Patanella and the PBA, the transfer was made official — and the Turkey Trot is set to hit the streets again this fall.

"When approached about the Turkey Trot, I knew right away it was a perfect fit for the Fire Company. It keeps a cherished Green Brook tradition alive and gives our volunteers another way to connect with residents while supporting the work they do year-round," Searfoss said.

Race Committee chairperson, Steve Pokk is excited for the event.

"As a new firefighter and someone who loves fitness, we see the Turkey Trot as the perfect way to bring people together for a fun, healthy event while also supporting the Fire Company. We’re excited to put our own energy into it and keep this tradition running for years to come and are so grateful to Joe and the PBA for the years of hard work that have gone into this event to build it into what it is today," said Pokk.

Runners can expect the same festive spirit the event is known for and will feature a new firefighter turkey race t-shirt. The race will be held on Thanksgiving morning and will be a fun time for all.

To register for the race visit: runtheday.com/register/detail/green-brook-vol-fire-department-turkey-trot-2025-62p OR you can visit runtheday.com, go to “Find a Race” and look up “Green Brook Fire Company Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 2025” OR Scan the QR code below

— Submitted by The Township of Green Brook