From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who participated in, volunteered at, or sponsored our 2nd Annual Marshalltown Area United Way Turkey Trot at Grimes Farm on Thursday morning.

Because of you, the course was filled with energy, smiles, and community spirit from start to finish. Events like this happen only because people show up — not just with their running shoes, but with generosity, kindness, and heart. Whether you ran, walked, cheered, donated, directed traƯic, took photos, or supported from afar, you made this event unforgettable. Our community is stronger because of you, and together we raised over $5,000 to support our mission and help local families thrive.

Congratulations to our top finishers: 5K Male winner Tommy Tyynismaa, 5K Female winner JoJo Tyynismaa, 10K Male winner Tanner Metz, and 10K Female winner Veronica Herrera. We are incredibly proud of every participant who showed up to kick oƯ Thanksgiving morning with purpose and joy.

“We wanted to give something to Marshalltown that people traditionally go out of town for,” said Kyley Leger, former 2024-2025 Campaign Co-Chair and Turkey Trot Committee Member. “As a community, we work hard to give people reasons to stay local. The Turkey Trot was a way we could mix activity with giving back.”

Former 2024-2025 Campaign CoChair and Committee Member Kate Bowermaster added, “We had a last-minute idea in 2024, and we were excited to build on that this year. The event wouldn’t have grown the way it did without our sponsors, committee members, and all the runners. A huge thank you to everyone — we can’t wait to do it again next year!”

2025-2026 Campaign Co-Chair and Turkey Trot participant Robert Maharry shared, “The Turkey Trot was cold and challenging, but I was truly amazed by the turnout and level of support for the Marshalltown Area United Way. We live in an amazing community.”

Fellow 2025-2026 Campaign Co-Chair and participant Maria Gonzalez-Alvarez echoed that excitement: “I’m thrilled that our 2nd annual Turkey Trot was such a success, with nearly triple the participation from last year. Even on a chilly morning, our community showed up strong to support a great cause and kick off the holiday with energy and gratitude. A huge thank you to our incredible committee for their hard work. We’re excited to see this tradition grow.”

With a laugh, Robert added, “Maria and I both finished the Turkey Trot without walking, so we can be proud of that.”

This year’s Turkey Trot was made possible thanks to generous support from our sponsors who helped elevate every aspect of the event. Our Gratitude Giver sponsors: JBS and Sports Plus. Thankfulness Partners: ImOn Communications, Marshalltown Family Dentistry, and MTown Proud State Farm – Tyler Peschong. Kindness Contributors: American Family Insurance – Daniel McCue, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Farmers Savings Bank, Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, McFarland, RACOM, and United Bank & Trust.

We are also grateful to Happily Ever Crafted for providing beanies, Resilient Wheat for contributing winner gifts, Lillie Mae Chocolates for donating Kids Mile goodies, and Fitness Sports for professional race timing. Additionally, thank you to the Holy Grounds team for fueling our participants throughout the morning. Their dedication reminds us that when a community comes together, great things happen.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Kevin Huseboe for beginning the morning with the presentation of the flag and Linda Gillespie for her performance of the national anthem.

We also extend our deepest appreciation to the Turkey Day 5K/10K Planning Committee: Kate Bowermaster, Kyley Leger, Amanda Accola, Brady Petermeier, James Laugerman, Tabatha Goodrich, Sarah Murphy, Brookelyn Schlawin, Kendra Sorensen, and Rachel Norton. Their passion and teamwork brought this growing holiday tradition to life.

Thank you for supporting Marshalltown Area United Way and helping us build a stronger, more connected community. We are already looking forward to seeing you next Thanksgiving morning — because nothing fuels gratitude quite like a trot before the turkey!