A record 1,130 people turned out for the annual Bo Tkach Foundation 5K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, boosting support for the foundation’s mental health programs and community outreach efforts.

The event, held in downtown Palmerton, raises funds for mental health counseling, scholarships and educational presentations on suicide prevention, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.

The race is held in memory of Travis “Bo” Tkach, a talented multi-sport athlete and Northern Lehigh High School graduate. Tkach was a two-time first team All-State football player and a two-time District 11 javelin champion. He struggled with obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression and died in 2007. The foundation created in his honor supports mental health awareness and assistance in the community.

Tristin Tkach Brannan, Tkach’s sister, addressed the large turnout before the race. “This is one of our family’s favorite traditions and it’s so wonderful to get everyone’s support,” she told the crowd. “From the bottom of my heart thank you so much for your commitment and energy.”

Palmerton High School alum Jake Martinez topped the overall field in 15:58. Owen Hibell and Abraham Cabrera rounded out the top three. On the women’s side, Cera Gaston finished first in 19:56. Grace Morningstar and Brielle Frable followed.

Foundation board member William O’Gurek said the organization has distributed significant support across the region.

“Since the foundation started, $679,000 has gone back to the community,” he said. “It’s because of everyone at events like the Turkey Trot that we are able to do this.”

The foundation donated $30,000 to area food pantries last week to assist Thanksgiving distributions.

Interest in the race, board member Jaime Mendes said, was strong long before the starting horn.

“This is a wonderful community event,” he added. “We had 1,066 people signed up to participate before we even got here this morning. The number kept growing and we got up to over 1,100.”

Mendes also outlined the foundation’s outreach efforts.

“We’re all about mental health education. We give out scholarships of $1,500 to the local schools, we’re donating money to the local food banks, and we’re supporting programs in the local school districts.”

Full race results will be posted at the Pretzel City Sports website.