OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - More than 2,000 participants braved the morning chill to take part in this year’s YMCA Frank DeLuca Turkey Trot, showcasing a mix of runners, walkers, and even a few in turkey costumes.

“Thirty years of doing this, and I’m really excited about that and the people that support it. It’s important because it’s a huge milestone that we achieve every single year,” said Leda Perez, the Frank DeLuca executive director.

This year’s trot went beyond just fun; it was a celebration of personal victories.

“The reason why I signed up is because I had a lot of health issues. I was over 300 pounds and have lost over 70 pounds, so I thought, why not?” said participant Barbara Clapper, who marked a significant health milestone.

Families joined in to “spice things up” with their f

See Full Page