Run for pies in Tequesta

Runner holding an apple pie (photo provided)

This Thanksgiving, while most of us are just rising, nearly 1,600 runners will line up in Tequesta for the 8 a.m. start of the 12th annual Run 4 the Pies.

The 4-mile race is sponsored by four organizations: Village of Tequesta, Palm Beach Roadrunners, Publix grocery stores and Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Tequesta.

The first 900 finishers will receive a fresh-baked apple pie from Publix, says Bob Anderson, who is in his fifth year as race co-director. The other 700 or so runners will get a $2-off coupon for a Publix bakery item. "That way, no one walks away empty-handed," he adds.


A nearby Publix grocery store bakes the pies Tuesday night and race volunteers pick them up later that night or on Wednesday, Anderson says. When asked why apple and not pumpkin, he wasn't sure, but guessed it was because "apple holds up better without refrigeration."

Most races are 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles), but the Run 4 the Pies is 4 miles. "It came out that way when they were designing the race (course)," Anderson says. The race begins and ends at Tequesta's Parks and Recreation Center.

Bring a canned good

Bob Anderson (photo provided)

Runners are asked to help stock the food pantry at Good Shepherd by bringing a canned good or other non-perishable food item to the race. Palm Beach County, known for its beaches and wealthy enclaves, has a sizable population -- about 17 percent -- of residents who don't know where their next meal will come from, according to Feeding America. That runners can help ease this situation makes Anderson feel proud. 

The race costs $30 for members of the Palm Beach Roadrunners, Tequesta residents, Senior Sneakers or students. All others pay $35. Most of the runners will receive a free T-shirt.

The Kids 100 Yard Dash costs $10 to enter. All children participating in the dash will receive a medal, tote bag and a race T-shirt. About 200 kids are expected, Anderson says.

Started as a runner

Anderson got involved in the third year as a runner, and became a co-race director a few years later. He wanted to help the race organizers and give exposure to his then-new company, Palm Beach Marathon Training, which creates training programs for runners.

And now, for my numbers

I had my best walking day last week on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, when I walked:

Steps: 12,989

Miles: 6.5