April 2, 2012 was World Autism Awareness Day. Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism advocacy, research and awareness organization, recognizes World Autism Awareness Day with its national Light it Up Blue campaign.  On that day, individuals, businesses and other organizations are asked to help raise awareness in some way and The Stick With It Fitness coaches joined in by wearing blue.  We also support Autism Speaks through our annual Turkey Trot charity event held on Thanksgiving morning.  Last year the race raised over $5,000 for the cause.  

For 11 years in a row, runners, walkers and bikers have gathered in North Park for some exercise, to visit with friends, to raise money for charity and to enjoy a relaxed start to the Thanksgiving weekend. This past Thursday, the Not Overly Competitive, Before-You-Eat-A-Lot Turkey Trot tradition continued, with just a few changes.

This year, the event was “comfy” as well as fun! The warm and dry weather plus the
change of the race’s venue from the Boat House to North Park’s spacious and
warm Rose Barn increased the turnout to just about 200 and probably kept
participants hanging out enjoying the post-race refreshments longer than
usual.

However, one tradition remained the same.  The race was all about raising money for a
good cause. Over the years, Stick With It Fitness’ Turkey Trot has raised more than $20,000 for The American Diabetes Association. This year’s beneficiary was the Pittsburgh Chapter of Autism Speaks, which will end up with a check for
over $5,000. 

SWIF would like to thank the participants as well as the Event Staff (who looked cool in their orange caps) for their support and hard work. The tradition would not have been possible without you.

We hope to see you all back again next year!