When Russ Redd participated in the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club in the 1980s, he would have been hard-pressed to predict years later he would help lead an annual effort that has raised over $780,000 for this essential organization. But after working at the club during college in the 1990s and serving on the club’s board in the 2000s, that’s precisely what happened.
Now the owner of Chiropractic Partners, and together with his wife and race director, Cat, that decision has yielded considerable benefits for thousands of area youth who have attended the afterschool program and summer camp at the Wake Forest Club over the years.
As the motivation behind the Thanksgiving morning Gobbler’s Run since the first race in 2006, Cat juggles the race’s responsibilities together with raising the couple’s four teenagers, working at an accounting firm, and serving as a Youngsville commissioner for the past 14 years. And together with a dedicated staff of three, Cat says they’ve “gotten it down to a science”.
The share-the-road race begins on S. Wingate Street behind Wake Forest Elementary School, then turns onto N. Main Street and into the heart of the city.
“I love this run because it’s family-oriented and people are getting healthier being out there moving,” Cat says. “It intentionally moves through Downtown in order to showcase this amazing area.”
While they don’t run the 5k themselves, Russ and Cat have both run numerous marathons, and their kids have completed the Gobbler’s Run on several occasions over the last 17 years. In the beginning, Cat consulted with her friend and avid race runner, Kim Fordham, who offered invaluable insight into organizing the race.
While the idea of a 5k on Thanksgiving Day initially met with some skepticism, the annual event has become an enduring success for the Wake Forest community. Kim took charge of securing racing bibs and figuring out the timing mechanisms, Russ headed up sponsorships and donations, and Cat got the course approved and marketed the event to the public.
Along with dozens of others who have contributed over the years, The Jim Allen Group is the run’s current presenting sponsor.
In the first year, and facing competition from a nearby neighborhood that was establishing its own Thanksgiving Day run, Cat and Russ were anything but certain Gobbler’s Run would succeed. With a modest goal of 100 racers, 314 showed up the morning of the race. In the second year, 716 came out. And although they ran out of bibs and T-shirts, people were still walking into the club, handing over $20, and heading back out the door to join the race.
Over the last 10 years, the race has attracted over 2,000 annual participants and generated more than $780,000 for the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club, earning the organizers a recent induction into the Wake County Hall of Fame.
“Everybody is so happy to be there,” Cat said. “I love that so many have made this a family tradition. It’s a great cause and we love giving back to the community.”
While appropriate for people of all ages and abilities, including families with strollers and dogs – for which awards are given for the fastest finishes – some avid runners will take 15 minutes while others might take an hour. As welcoming to all as the event is, one thing that isn’t: bikes!
With 1,150 folks registered so far for this year’s race, some notable runners include Wake Forest attorney James Warren, Town Commissioner Keith Shackleford, and Youngsville Mayor Fonzie Flowers.
Along with assistants Kyndall Dysard Garrett and Emily Pelliccia, Cat says Boys & Girls Club Director Ashley Hohenberger has been integral. Having logged thousands of hours over the last 18 years, Cat says they start planning the event in May.
“It’s just a feel-good event,” Cat said. “When my kids participated, I saw what the Boys & Girls Club does for the community, and that’s why I’m committed to doing this year after year.”
Hohenberger said the race has now been a part of the Boys & Girls Club for longer than any current club kid has been alive.
“The impact that Gobbler's Run has had on our club is indescribable,” she said. “Through sponsorships and participants, the money raised directly impacts over 600 kids in our community. It allows us to run programs that have a lasting impact and make a difference for our youth.”
Hohenberger went on to say that beyond the monetary impact, the run raises awareness for the club.
“It helps the community get invested in the club and all we’re doing to support those who need us most. It brings everyone together for a good cause.”
With an 8 a.m. start time on Thanksgiving Day, registration begins at 6:30 and Cat and her crew are up well before the sun at 3, putting out signs, etc., in preparation for all those who come out to work up their appetites for the biggest meal of the year.
“The work and commitment that goes into this annual event is amazing,” said Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership. “For an active and giving community like Wake Forest, Gobbler’s Run is a perfect fit, and its ongoing success is a lasting testament to the exemplary quality of life our residents cultivate.”
