The Palmerton Park was buzzing with energy as 583 runners and walkers registered to compete in the first Bo Tkach 5K Turkey Trot.

The run got off to a rousing start at 9 a.m. on Third Street as the group took off on what is actually the same course for the Blue Mountain Health Systems run.The only difference was, they ran it in reverse.The first runner to cross the finish line was no stranger to the local running scene as Jonathan Condly, who just practically owned the local cross country scene as Jim Thorpe's leading runner the past two seasons, won the run with a time of 17:48."It was slippery, but it was pretty fun," said Condly after receiving his plaque."I never ran a race in the snow before, so it was fun to do that."The course was fun. I liked it. I was out in front from the start so I just tried to push the pace as fast as I could."The second runner to cross the finish line was Zach Svetik of Palmerton, a standout on Palmerton's cross country team this year.His time was 18:21 and earned him first place in the 14-18 age group.Austin Semmel was third with a time of 18:25 giving him first place in the 19-29 age group.The first female to finish was Avery Francis with a time of 22:27 earning her top honors.Despite the sudden snowstorm on Wednesday, everything went well, with the help of the borough workforce who kept Lafayette and Columbia Avenue as clear as could be.The participants were served turkey chili, courtesy of Mr Bill's Poultry Stand in the Allentown Farmers Market; fruit; pretzels, courtesy of Philly Soft Pretzels; water; and Gatorade, courtesy of Country Harvest, Joey B's, Pepsi and Hager Furniture.Winners and the top three finishers in each age group also receive a homemade pumpkin pie for their efforts."I'm stunned," Jim Tkach, founder of the Bo Tkach Foundation, said while overlooking the crowd. "This is like a reunion."Pretzel City Sports was in charge of the timing for the race.Complete results will be posted on

www.pretzelcitysports.com.Following are the award winners and age group results:Male resultsOverall winner: John Condly, 17:4813 and under: 1. Deven Bollinger, 21:10; 2. Logan Mackes; 3. Conner Beahm14-18: 1. Zack Svetik, 18:21; 2. Jacob Martinez; 3. Carter Waibel19-29: 1. Austin Semmel, 18:25; 2. John Vasko; 3. Kurt Eckhart30-39: 1. William Watkins, 19:44; Terry Eckhart; 3. Nick Brannan40-49: 1. Mike Martinez, 18:58; 2. Shawn Quinn; 3. Guy Potts50-59: 1. Rick Smith, 21:18; 2. Faro Hager; 3. Mark Lopata60 and over: 1. Duane Costenbader 26:53; 2. Richard Leeman; 3. Vince MorrisFemale resultsOverall winner: Avery Francis, 22:2713 and under: 1. Emma Martinez, 27:02; Megan Matsko; 3. Logan Hartney14-18: 1. Cassandra Rehnert, 23:39; 2. Leah Heffelfinger; 3. Madison Martinez19-29: 1. Kyla Rodrigues, 22:58; 2. Karissa Bollinger; 3. Erin Hesse30-39: 1. Jeniffer Lobasso, 23:37; 2. Kim Clements; 3. Lacey Snyder40-49: 1. Alyssa Hager, 23:41; 2. Carla Exner, 3. Stacey Finney50-59: 1. Karen Ziegenfuss, 24:57; 2. Ardith Kuhns, 3. Jackie Hollan60 and over: 1. Maureen McTague, 31:11; 2. Ann Behler; 3. Bonnie Mfarei