How a Small Race became a Family Tradition
The Camiolo Family
David Camiolo has been part of the Read Feed Run Turkey Trot since the very beginning. He took up running in 2006, so when a local turkey trot launched in 2007, he was excited to sign up, and happy it supported a good cause. “I remember how small it was,” he says. “It really felt like a family event.” Over the years, his wife Kristin, daughter Rose and sister-in-law Elizabeth would join him, and a tradition took shape: wake up early on Thanksgiving, run the race, then stop at Dunkin’ for coffee and munchkins on the way home. Like many of our runners, David’s favorite memories include running in turkey gear and spotting other families in festive outfits. The Camiolos have braved every kind of weather, from beautiful, warm fall days to “REALLY COLD” ones – rain, ice, and snow included!
A few race years stand out for David: in 2011, he ran four days after completing the Philadelphia Marathon, and in 2019, he ran five days after finishing the JFK 50 Miler in Maryland to celebrate turning 50. Although challenging, he was proud to participate and raise funds along the way. When the race went virtual in 2020, David, Kristin and Rose picked up their t-shirts from IFPN and ran it near home.
Today, the race means as much as ever. “Circumstances in life always change,” David reflects. His family has grown older, siblings have relocated, and this year will be his first Thanksgiving without his mom, Margaret. “The race is a nice constant to have on Thanksgiving morning, and it’s something we really look forward to every year,” he notes. He’ll be on the course again this year, with no plans to stop. “It’s wonderful seeing how much the race continues to grow while keeping that close-knit community feeling from that first race 20 years ago. Everyone is happy to be there, enjoying the experience and supporting a great cause.”
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