The 11th Turkey Trot 5K to benefit Delaware Special Olympics was held at the Sea Colony Freeman Fitness Center Dec. 1 and was won by a couple of hand-holding teenagers from North Penn High School of Lansdale, Pa., as Matt Aham, 18, was overall champion in 16:48 while his girlfriend Jenna Reimer, 16, won the women’s title in 19:25.
Two hundred and twelve runners and walkers completed the race, and many teachers and students elected to walk a mike or 5 kilometers. The computer chip system sorted them all out by the post-race pizza party and awards extravaganza. Nicola's provided the pizza, and runners were on it like a German aunt on a one-legged turkey.
The Hundley family from Bethany Beach nailed down three first-place finishes as Rick, 45, was masters champion in 19:25, while Blake, 11, captured the 10-13 age group in 17:43, and Devin, 8, won the female 9 and under in 25:57.
Among the women's age-group winners were Georgette O’Cone, 65-69, in 31:27, and Susan Carnohan, 62, who ran 25:21 to capture the 60-64.
Jenn Perkovich of Joppa, Md., ran 23:11 to win the 40-44 age group. Other age-group winners were Karly Pascuzzi, 35-39, 23:19; Mandy Hajel, 30-34, 22:00; Colleen Calhoun, 25-29, 25:37; Katalyn Clark, 20-24, 21:17; Morgan Prior, 14-19, 21:31; and Geneveive Dibari, 10-13, 22:41.
Several local guys turned in award-winning performances: Matt Dunn 17:17, Enos Benbow 17:43, Mike Firch 21:52, Michael Kline 21:01, Bruce Clayton 20:26, Brian Johnston 20:53, Jack Powell 26:56, and Henry Danver 24:57. Dennis William of Annapolis, Md., won the 70 and over group in 30:36.
Next up for runners is the Rehoboth Beach Marathon Saturday, Dec. 7. More than 2,300 runners will start together with over half turning around early, electing the half-marathon distance. The race shows off the natural beauty of seaside Sussex and inspires many athletes with disposable time and income to shop for real estate.