4,000 Expected at Turkey Trot

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mark and Maria Dailey lost their son, Christopher, on November 23, 2001. The Christopher Dailey Foundation was established with a goal to not only build a lasting and living memory of Christopher, but also to enrich the children of the local community with a place to learn, play, and enhance their lives through team and individual sports activities. “My daughter, Chris’ older sister, always found getting gym-time difficult when she was on a sports team,” recalls Mark Dailey. “Over time we realized that the Saratoga area needed more gym space. We also wanted to memorialize Chris in some way. What better way to do that than by raising money to build a sports facility in his name?” At the foundation’s 8th Annual Golf Tournament, on May 18, 2009, the board of directors announced that the Christopher Dailey Memorial Youth Gymnasium had been completely paid for. The gymnasium provides a space where various youth groups, as well as special needs athletes, may continue to grow their passion for different sports. On Thursday, November 24, the Chris Dailey Turkey Trot will take place in Saratoga Springs. When the foundation first started to fundraise, the Turkey Trot wasn’t even a thought. In May 2001 the foundation hosted a golf tournament, which turned out to be a huge success. Eventually a neighbor of the Daileys suggested a Turkey Trot race. The Daileys were able to create a 5k-race course around their neighborhood, and slowly it became more successful. “We came to realize that the race had a much larger response from the community, and that’s how it became an annual event,” said Dailey. The cold and sometimes snowy weather of this event coincides with Mark Dailey’s favorite memory of his son. Chris was an avid lover of the winter weather. Recalls Dailey, “when Chris would come home from school, and there was snow on the ground, he would go out sleigh riding with his friends until dinner. They would always come in with red cheeks, but each of them would have a smile on their face.” Last year the race had approximately 3200 paid participants. This year Mark hopes the race has even more success. Their expectation for this year’s race proceeds is approximately $50,000. “Our goal for 2016 is to beat our final total from the year before. The more money we raise, the more money we can give back to the community, which is always our primary goal,” said Dailey. The race starts at Saratoga Springs City Hall, and will finish on North Broadway in front of John Witt’s Office. Start time for the race is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., and there is a $25 entry fee. Those interested in registering for the race, or learning more about the Christopher Dailey Foundation may visit www.christopherdaileyfoundation.com.