NEWS

Record crowd participates in Turkey Trot

Matthew Kent
Reporter

CHILLICOTHE - A record-setting 900 runners came out Thursday morning to Yoctangee Park to participate in the 11th annual Larry Cox Turkey Trot that has become tradition for many on Thanksgiving Day.

The event, which raises money for Southern Ohio Crime Stoppers, is conducted in honor of Chillicothe police officer Larry Cox, who was shot and killed while off duty during a foot chase April 21, 2005. Cox was an avid runner and each year, someone is selected to carry Cox's shoes throughout the race.

Paul Lincke was chosen to carry the shoes in this year's race and said he had the opportunity to run with Cox when he was alive. He described it as an honor to carry Cox's shoes and said the day was an important one.

"Especially with everything going on around the world, it's kind of nice to take time to think back and recognize what Larry meant to the community and to carry his shoes in his honor will be memorable for life for sure," Lincke said.

Ernie Large, president of Southern Ohio Crime Stoppers, said the event has grown significantly over the years.

"It's hard to explain how big it's gotten," he said. "Last year, we had over 820 runners ... and we're very pleased with the way it's turned out so far this year."

Large said what he enjoys most about the annual event is seeing people unite with one another.

"It's like a big family of runners coming together to run on Larry's behalf," Large said.

Chillicothe resident David Whitehouse was one runner in attendance and said he knew Larry personally.

"It means a lot for me to just be here," Whitehouse said. "He was a fantastic runner and like I said, an all-around great guy ... and he was one heck of a runner and I think all these people coming out really shows what kind of an individual Larry was."