Home Tampa YMCA Blog Another Record-Setting Year for the Y's Goody Goody Turkey Gobble
Another Record-Setting Year for the Y's Goody Goody Turkey Gobble
Date December 16th, 2019
The Tampa Y's annual holiday tradition continued this Thanksgiving in downtown Tampa. With more than 4,000 runners, walkers and dogs, the 5th annual Goody Goody™ Turkey Gobble broke records to support LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA.
The route took runners in front of Amalie Arena across the Platt Street Bridge and along Bayshore Boulevard. New this year, participants could wear the name of someone impacted by cancer. "It makes a difference when you're wearing that name. That person's not forgotten. It inspires us to know that together we're going to make a difference in the fight against cancer," says Richard Gonzmart, 4th Generation Owner of Columbia Restaurant Group and owner of the Goody Goody restaurant, which has generously sponsored the event for the past five years.
At the end of the race, runners were treated to a hot Goody Goody breakfast. "We had our staff preparing the scrambled eggs, sausage, the potatoes, coffee cake and coffee as well, says Richard, who ran the race himself. "I got the bib number. I'm looking for the shortcut."
This year, nearly $80,000 was raised to support LIVESTRONG at the Y for cancer survivors and their families. The 12-week program is offered at no cost to people affected by cancer and provides a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities where they can connect during and after treatment.
"I'm excited to be here to celebrate with my fellow Tampa citizens and raise money for such a good cause," says Tampa YMCA President & CEO Matt Mitchell. "The YMCA is all about family. What makes us different is you see a lot of families here running in this race. It's a great celebration of Tampa and who we are."
Robert Holcomb and Kelsey Bohannan were the first to cross the 5K finish line. "Cancer is so prevalent in our community and the fact that we can raise money and put it toward a great cause, it really just means a lot and makes me run all the faster." Kelsey says. "Tampa is such a good community for the running community," says Robert, who runs the race so he can "earn the bird" and eat lots of turkey.
Loren Reed beat her best time by 40 seconds. "I lost my dad about two weeks ago and ever since then I feel like he's running with me," says Loren. "My dad was a runner and ever since I feel like he's a running angel and I feel like I'm having the runs of my life. It's so much fun. Everyone's in a great mood. It's a big family tradition; the costumes, everybody's dancing, you get caught up in it."
Thank you to Goody Goody and all our sponsors, volunteers, staff and participants for bettering themselves, their families and their community this Thanksgiving! To see more Goody Goody Turkey Gobble pictures, click here.
Pictured above: Tampa's Y's annual Goody Goody™ Turkey Gobble raised a record-breaking nearly $80,000 for cancer survivors and their families.