From Press Release

2001 VERTEL'S TURKEY TROT The 24th Annual Thanksgiving Day 8K Run/Walk & Ramble

Over 5,000 early birds ran over the river and through the woods before running over to Grandmother's house this Thanksgiving morning. The 24th Annual Vertel's Turkey Trot 8K (4.97) run and walk took place in Chicago's Lincoln Park at 9:00 a.m. November 22, 2001. Top honors were taken by: Tomasz Baginski, 24, of Norridge, with a time of 24:02:56. Ann Shaefers-Coles, 36, of Algonquin, led the women with a time of 28:48.7.

Mike Adamle of News 2 Chicago was one of the most festive runners, as he led the pack as a running turkey! Other media participants were: Amy Jacobson and Chris Myers of NBC 5, Leah Hope and John Garcia of ABC 7, and Kyung Lah of News 2 Chicago.

The beautiful day brought out runners and walkers of all ages, friends, families. Over 100 children from ages 2 - 14 participated in the Plymouth Rock Ramble running 50 yards, 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile and 1 mile. All participants were encouraged to bring canned goods and non-perishable items. Today, over 4 tons of food was collected for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Overall Winners

Men Women

1. Tomasz Baginski, 24 Norridge 24.02.56 1. Ann Schaefers-Coles, 36 Algonquin 28.48.7

2. Nathan Dunn 24.12.44 2. Susan Appleyard 29.27.39

3. Scott Aklasen 24.39.58 3. Tricia Marks 30.03.6

4. Stephen Traphagen 24.59.71 4. Felicia Chen

30.23.58 5. Jon Dreher 25.04.90 5. Inga Norton 30.33.17

The top male & female winners won a turkey and all winners received a pair of Diadora running shoes from Vertel's, a well-known running & fitness store on Clybourn and Michigan Avenues. The 24th Annual Vertel's 8K Turkey Trot is presented by the Loop 97.9 and held in cooperation with the City of Chicago, Richard M. Daley, Mayor, The Mayor's Office of Special Events and The Chicago Park District. Additional sponsor support is being provided by: Chicago Athlete (Chicago's Running, Triathlon & Active Sports Source), Clif Bar, Diadora Running Shoes, Hinckley Springs and Lakeshore Athletic Clubs.

The Turkey Trot benefits The Greater Chicago Food Depository, a not-for-profit food distribution center working to feed hungry people. The Food Depository is committed to efficiently distributing donated and purchased food through a network of nearly 600 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. During the fiscal year 2000-01, the Food Depository distributed 36.1 million pounds of non-perishable food, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, fresh and frozen meat, poultry and fish. Every day, 365 days a year, the Food Depository distributes the equivalent of more than 74,400 meals. As many as 300,000 men, women and children in Cook County rely on the food provided by the Food Depository.