A  Thanksgiving themed run/walk raised approximately $26,000 for the Sullivan County Animal Shelter last Saturday in Livingston Manor. Runners and walkers of all ages braved the frosty morning in spirited costumes to head down the Creamery Road to the Livingston Manor Covered bridge and back to log 5k for the second year of this charity initiative. Conceived by Carey Jones and Sarah Kate Wagner, this year’s run saw a 100% increase in participation from last year. 

Besides raising funds for a worthy cause, the organizers like the idea of “getting people together after the holidays,” remarked John Davidovich, one volunteer who encouraged runners and walkers in the final stretch on a loud bullhorn. “There were over 300 participants this year,” he said. “I believe the winner clocked in at 17:29 this year, a Livingston Manor record,” he commented. 

“We are just focused on getting everyone back safe and uninjured at this point,” commented Jones, as the last participants straggled in. Last but not least, even the final finishers were full of enthusiasm as they received their gold medals from volunteer Jeffrey Monteiro at the finish line.

“Last year, at the awards ceremony, the recipients were just so grateful,” said Davidovich.  Sullivan County Animal Shelter went home with a check for over $26,000 this year, according to organizers. They plan to make this an annual event.