Dr. Caleb Bupp, a Greensburg native and distinguished medical geneticist, has vivid memories of his parents designing the race shirt artwork in the family living room and involvement with the Greensburg Turkey Trot way back to 1991 when the race was founded by his father – Dr. Barry Bupp, a well-known Greensburg pediatric dentist—and several of his dad’s lunch running partners.
The Bupp family involvement in the Turkey Trot will come full circle this year when Caleb will served as the honorary starter for the 32nd Annual Turkey Trot, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 23. The race begins at 9 a.m.
Caleb Bupp, a Hempfield graduate who currently resides in Grand Rapid, Mich., has transcended to great achievement in the medical field, collaborating with Andre Bachmann, Ph.D., to discover a rare genetic disease and related disorders in children—and subsequent cure—for the Bachmann-Bupp Syndrome, which symptoms include complete hair loss, an enlarged head, low muscle tone and developmental delays. So far, only 11 children are known to have the disorder.
“We are deeply honored to have Caleb serve as the honorary starter for this year’s race,” said Mark Sorice, chairman of the race committee. “His extraordinary accomplishments in the medical field, and especially his contribution to discovery of and cure for this rare disorder is truly amazing.
“Recognizing him at this race in which his family has been so involved, is a small way for our community to honor his accomplishments and the Bupp family,” Sorice added.
Registration for the year’s race, the area’s largest Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot race, is open and can be completed online at www.gbgturkeytrot.com. There are also online forms that can be completed and mailed. Early registration ends Nov. 9.
A 5K run/walk held every year in Greensburg on Thanksgiving Day, the Turkey Trot has grown each year. More than 2,000 runners/walkers participate each year. The running group created a non-profit called Westmoreland Community Sharing to develop the event. Proceeds from the race support multiple non-profits in the community.
Not only does the race raise funds for local organizations, but it has evolved into a USATF-certified course and is now recognized for national records. The event, however, can accommodate both serious and casual runners.
Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female runners and walkers, and the top three overall Clydesdale runners.
In addition to individuals, racing is open for unlimited family, high school and corporate team members, who can register as a group in either the run or walk category. The top three times will be averaged to determine the winner of the Bupp Family Cup, and High School and Corporate Cup trophies.
Sponsorships for the race are available from $2,000 (Title Sponsor) down to event sponsor ($225). To memorialize/honor someone, sleeve sponsorships are also available for $50. For more information, please contact: gbgturkeytrot@gmail.com.
Race packets and shirts can be picked up at the Greensburg YMCA Gymnasium, 101 S Maple Avenue on Wednesday, November 22, from noon-6 p.m. Thursday morning registration and shirt pick-up will be at the Westmoreland County Courthouse plaza, 2 N. Main Street, from 7-8:30 a.m.
