Donley Family Named Grand Marshals of 47th Annual Alexandria Turkey Trot
The honor is meant to recognize the family's service to Alexandria and honor Kerry Donley's memory
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The family of Kerry Donley, a former mayor of Alexandria, has been named grand marshals of the 47th Annual Alexandria Trot, scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24 at 9 a.m. The honor is meant to recognize the family’s service to Alexandria and honor Kerry Donley’s memory. He died unexpectedly last July at the age of 66.
“Every year, it was a tradition for the entire Donley family to start their Thanksgiving with the Alexandria Turkey Trot,” said Dr. Lauren Fisher, President of the Del Ray Business Association. “Seeing their family run together through the years represents the things we love most about the Turkey Trot — family, traditions, and gathering as a community to give back to those in need. We are so happy to honor his memory and celebrate his legacy in this special way.”
Donley served Alexandria for decades, holding various positions with City Council, such as councilmember and vice mayor before being elected mayor for the first time in 1996. He served in that capacity until 2003. He was also chosen to chair the Democratic Party of Virginia.
For a brief time, he served as the athletic director at T.C Williams High School (now Alexandria City High School).
Only last year, he retired from a 40-year banking career, last serving as Senior Vice President for John Marshall Bank.
Survivors include Donley’s wife Eva, five daughters, and nurmerous grandchildren.
The Alexandria Turkey Trot takes place on a five-mile course through the heart of Del Ray. The start and finish line will be at George Washington Middle School (1005 Mt. Vernon Ave). The event supports ALIVE!, which serves Alexandrians in need. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, spectators and participants are asked to bring two nonperishable food items.
For complete information on the race and to register, visit www.
Last year, ALIVE! received 1,869 pounds of food and a $6,000 check from the DRBA to support ALIVE!’s Food Program.
