On Thanksgiving morning, the Powell High School commons hosted the “Turkey Trot: Run for the Robots,” raising money for the PHS robotics program. The event had two races: a 5K and a 1 mile run.

Roughly 50 people participated, with men and women of all ages competing. With the pandemic, turnout was slightly lower than in past years, but PHS robotics club sponsor Joel Hayano said he’s still thankful for everyone who showed up.

“For all that is happening, this is a pretty good turnout,” Hayano said. “Most of the runners were people who have run it in the past, so it was nice to see them running again this year.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many races and fundraisers across the country have gone virtual. But Hayano said he’s thankful for getting to hold the Turkey Trot in person. Runners started at the high school and ran north along Panther Boulevard/Road 8 before retracing their steps and finishing back at PHS.

“We were happy with the turnout and thankful that the administration at school allowed us to host the event,” Hayano said. “With everything being shut down lately, it was nice to be able to host the run.”

The money raised from the event goes directly to the robotics club, which it will use to buy equipment for competitions. This and a rubber duck race held in the spring provide much of the funding for the team as it prepares for the state competition in April.

In the mile race, Ethan Bartholomew posted the best men’s time (6:04), and Kenna Jacobsen ran the fastest women’s time (6:40). Kevin Pfefferle’s time of 19:52 was the fastest in the 5K on the men’s side, and Michela Morrissey had the best women’s time of 23:00.

Full results:

Mile race:

Men 13 and under: Lucas Miller 16:49

Men 14-19: Ethan Bartholomew 6:04, Shawn Evelo 16:49

Men 40-49: Thomas Evelo 17:23, Dean Bartholomew 22:11

Men 50-59: Rusty McKeen 16:57, Tim Miller 17:24

Men 70 and up: Ralph Bartholomew 22:15

Women 13 and under: Kenna Jacobsen 6:40, Melissa Merritt 6:52, Veronica Kovach 9:21, Jasmine Clark 9:21

Women 14-19: Meaghan McKeen 16:17, Gabi Gernhart 16:57

Women 40-49: Jamie Jacobsen 12:51, Ashley Lauritzen 16:30, Julie Miller 18:25, Tonya Bartholomew 22:16

Women 50-59: Laurel McKeen 16:50, Pokey Heny 16:56, Keri Evelo 18:24

Women 70 and up: Fern Bartholomew 22:14

5K race:

Men 13 and under: Breaton Clark 22:52

Men 14-19: Daniel Merritt 20:17, Justin Hobbs 25:38, Grant Dillivan 36:15

Men 20-29: Nathan Martin 23:38

Men 30-39: Chris Humphrey 21:05, Patrick Feathers 26:15

Men 40-49: Ladell Merritt 20:24, Mike McDaniel 51:09

Men 50-59: Tim Baxter 28:35, Kim Dillivan 36:15, Bill McCoin 52:25

Men 60-69: Kevin Pfefferle 19:52

Women 13 and under: Ellie Feathers 42:03,
Esther Feathers 42:27, Lily Phillips 46:04

Women 14-19: Anna Bartholomew 27:21, Megan Jacobsen 27:22, Gretel Opps 27:25, Megan McDaniel 42:54

Women 20-29: Michela Morrissey 23:00, Abbie Hogan 29:09

Women 30-39: Teresa Clark 23:17, Geri Kovach 31:29, Natalie Humphrey 32:59

Women 40-49: Katie Griffin 23:54, Julianne McDaniel 51:11

Women 50-59: Delissa Minnick 30:13, Janci Baxter 31:50, Cindy Phillips 46:05, Kim Feathers 52:32