2020 - Tom O'Reilly Turkey Trot 5k

Tom O'Reilly 'Inaugural' Turkey Trot 5k, Presented by Raritan Valley Road Runners

As of 2020, the Somerset County Turkey Trot 5k will be renamed the "Tom O'Reilly Turkey Trot 5k" in memory of Tom O'Reilly. Tom was our race director for several years after Somerset County handed over the race to Raritan Valley Road Runners. We lost Tom on June 13, 2020, when he lost his battle with a glioblastoma. From the day of his diagnosis, his mantra was “You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you deal with it”. Tom was well-known for his love of running and his enduring care for others. His love for running was best shown through his involvement with the Raritan Valley Road Runners (RVRR) as a member for over 10 years, former President of the club, and race director of the Somerset Turkey Trot. He always made it a point to get to know everyone and address their questions or concerns. He led many group “adventure runs”. Tom was a pacer at races and volunteered with Team Achilles as guide a runner for individuals with vision impairment. He also served as race director for the Chimney Rock 5 Miler Race as well as the Somerset Turkey Trot. He could often be at the back of the pack of group runs, encouraging newer and slower runners not to give up but also honest and supportive if someone really needed to stop. We could give a lengthy list of how Tom affected people’s lives, but a true testament was that after he was diagnosed and all throughout his battle, he had a steady stream of visitors from near and afar. Even as COVID-19 shut down society, there were many virtual visits and socially distant “porch parties” on the deck of his home to spend time with him and at the end, say their goodbyes. His nickname was 'Dragon'. Since his diagnosis, #TeamDragon and #TommyStrong were the tags used by friends and family to show support on social media posts. Search these tags and see for yourself the love and support he received throughout his battle as well as the memories since his passing. In true Tom fashion, at the very end of his life, when he only had enough energy for a few words a day, when someone asked how he was doing, his response was always to ask about his wife and children’s welfare, say that he loved them, and request that his children to be looked after. Tom leaves behind a enduring legacy that will live on forever. Raritan Valley Road Runners (RVRR) is setting up a scholarship fund. Donations made to the club in Tom's name will be directed into this fund. A minimum of 10% of the profits from the Turkey Trot will go to this scholarship in Tom's Memory. When signing up for this race, registrants will have the opportunity to make an additional donation toward the scholarship if they so desire. Please use the link to the left to donate or mail your donations to: Raritan Valley Road Runners (RVRR) Scholarship Fund PO Box 4784 Highland Park, NJ 08904-4784 Under the Roadrunner Clubs of America, RVRR is a recognized 501(c)3 charitable organization. All donations to RVRR are tax-deductible.