Gobble Wobble 5K reinforces community spirit amongst participants

Tracy Tran

Race participants start the Gobble Wobble Fun Run and 5K on Saturday at Andy Brown Park East. The race is available for participants of all ages to celebrate the Thanksgiving season.

Shreya Beldona, Staff Writer

Despite the chilly weather, young children in brightly colored jackets and dogs of various breeds all attended the Gobble Wobble 5K and fun run. Even those dressed up in inflatable turkey costumes were found dotting the crowd of people eagerly waiting to start the race. 

“This is [Coppell’s] first year to do this and we weren’t expecting as many people as we got,” The CORE recreation technician Mason Davis said. “Seeing so many people excited about the [Gobble Wobble] was very uplifting.”  

JV cross country members from Coppell High School dominated the 5K. First place went to junior Gregory Sabuncuyan with a time of 17.08 and was followed closely by junior Jonathan Le with a time of 17.28. In third place was freshman Dylan Newsome with a time of 17.31. 

“A group of [JV members] had the idea to do one last race together before we rest for the break,” Sabuncuyan said. “[Le} had the idea of doing a 5K and I pitched in and wanted to do it.” 

As participants crossed the finish line ornamented with balloons, they received applause from fellow runners and observers of the race. Additionally, bananas, granola bars, water bottles and hot coffee were provided for the runners. 

Even more evident than the high volume of people was the camaraderie.

“[Gobble Wobble] is an awesome way for us to get together during the Thanksgiving time,” said Matt Newsome, father of Dylan. ”[Coppell] is such a community oriented city and every chance to get out and hang out with our neighbors is a good time.” 

With positive spirits and high numbers of people, Coppell is eager for next year’s Gobble Wobble event. 

“Because we are such a close community, so many people come to our events like Celebrate Coppell and Kaleidoscope,” Davis said. “The event had a great turnout. We are looking forward to having a bigger crowd at [Gobble Wobble] next year.”  

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