Over 1,200 Bare the Cold for Annual Thanksgiving Morning YMCA Pumpkin Pie 5K in Nazareth

NAZARETH – River Crossing YMCA hosted the 19th Annual YMCA Pumpkin Pie 5K and Fun Run on Thursday, Thanksgiving morning. The annual community tradition attracted over 1,200 runners and walkers ages five through 75 and top three winners in each race category received a free pumpkin pie. All finishers received medals, and the top male and female finishers also won a frozen turkey.

The YMCA Pumpkin Pie 5K brings athletes, families and early risers to the Nazareth branch, located at 33 Main St. on Thanksgiving morning for a 5K pre-feast calorie burn every year. The YMCA Pumpkin Pie 5K is one of the most popular Thanksgiving runs in the Lehigh Valley.

“We got a bright, sunny morning to celebrate Thanksgiving and being together this year,” shared Crystal Messer, VP of Operations for the Lehigh Valley region of River Crossing YMCA, who remembered the rainy race just a year ago. “We couldn’t be more thankful to the people of our community who came together to celebrate healthy living, burn off a few calories before the big feast, and support the community impact of River Crossing YMCA.”

Proceeds from the Pumpkin Pie 5K go to support the Y’s community impact and financial assistance programs, making it possible for children and families to afford vital child care services, as well as free, donor-supported one-of-a-kind health and wellness Pathway programs. The Y thanks Starting Line sponsor Keystone Financial Management and Mile sponsors Aardvark Sports Shop, Nazareth Army Navy and Shoprite for their support of this year’s 5K.