More than 300 runners, walkers and wheelers supported quitting smoking at Sunday’s 14th annual Cold Turkey Trot.

The 5K race started at 1 p.m. and participants enjoyed the cool, sunny afternoon as they ran along the Red Cedar River.

The event represents a partnership between MSU and the American Lung Association of Michigan - the proceeds are contributed to smoking prevention programs throughout the association.

Portage resident Brian Donohue has ran in the race every year but one since 1991. He said he has dedicated his races to relatives who were smokers and one quit because of his dedication.

“I had so much fun each time I did it,” he said. “And it’s great to get a turkey as a prize, being a guy. If it’s not girls being a motivator, it’s food.”

Frozen turkeys were awarded to all age group winners.

Steve Springer, manager of the Capital Region office of the American Lung Association of Michigan, said his son once dedicated his race to his aunt, who quit smoking because of his dedication.

“Its mission is so relevant to us,” he said. “And it’s a premier end-of-the-year event.”

Certificates are sent to those who have a race dedicated to them.

Haslett residents Laurie Cairns and her 10-year-old son, Lucas, said they were excited for the race because of the beautiful day.

“We rotate running and walking,” Cairns said. “We’re really not too competitive.”

But some people were in it for the competition.

Williamston High School juniors Erik Schultink and B.J. Pankow, both 17, said they set goals for themselves before the race.

“I just hope I’ll break 17 minutes,” Pankow said.

Schultink said they came to the race because their school’s cross-country season had just ended.

“We’re in shape from cross-country, so we thought we’d take another try at a good time,” he said.

Jon Kermiet, a health educator at Olin Health Center, was the announcer for the event.

“It really establishes a good connection between MSU and the community,” he said. “Our interest is always to promote activities like this to students, but we get a lot of support from faculty as well.”

During the week before the race, Kermiet said a group of students made thick chalk lines 30 feet away from some of the buildings on campus. The lines were made to remind people of an MSU ordinance, which states people may not smoke within a certain number of feet away from campus buildings.

“We wanted to make sure people knew that was still in existence,” Kermiet said.