A slice of turkey and a side of love at the Florida Turkey Trot in Sarasota

The family in front of the start line at Nathan Benderson Park on Thanksgiving morning knew what was at stake.

That's where Parks Robinson, the CEO of Fit2Run, was standing with his wife Kate, and their kids as they awaited the opening gun.

They were among many other families, who have let the Florida Turkey Trot at Nathan Benderson Park into their hearts.

In only six years, the race has become a holiday tradition that has captured the imagination of thousands. Just come to the park and see. Family after family is huddled together, not seeming to mind that it is silly-early on a Thursday morning, and that it might be cold, or in this case foggy. Add on top that many of the families have dressed for the occasion, often wearing turkey heads or complete turkey suits. The most popular pieces of clothing at the Turkey Trot are turkey-leg socks.

It's not a stretch to say that love prevails, because love is everywhere you look. Family, Thanksgiving, love. It's everywhere, and it will spread around the region once the runners finish and head for the year's biggest meal.

The background makes it hard to remember that there is even more going on at the Florida Turkey Trot.

The race is a partnership between Fit2Run and the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy. The funds that go to the park are self-explanatory. They help make the park even better for the thousands who use it.

The other half is just as important, if not as well known. Those funds benefit the Big Bill Foundation, which honors former NBP Conservancy board chairman and legendary area businessman Bill Robinson. The Big Bill Foundation supplies scholarships for those who have survived childhood cancer.

Parks Robinson always has been busy helping with the previous five events, but this year he ran in the race with his family, and his energy was obvious before the event. The race drew 3,693 official entries for the 5K and hundreds more participated in the kids races. 

All those entries could mean four or five scholarships for kids who have overcome cancer.

The race has grown to the point where it took the last runners 9:30 to get up to the starting line after the first runners in line had started. The winning runner, Sarasota's Joe Wycoff, was more than halfway finished when final runners were starting, as he eventually set a course and race record of 14:34.

While he noted that you have to go for it when a winning opportunity presents itself, Wyoff said the race was more about the great weather, family, and the community.

"I am going to have a big meal," he said as he carried his participant's medal away. "And maybe a few beers."

The first woman to finish was Katie Sherron of Tallahassee, who was in the area visiting relatives in Sarasota.

Winning the race in 16:43 was nice, but she had something else on her mind.

"My father-in-law makes an outstanding turkey," she said.