The 31st Annual GMAA Turkey Trot 5K saw 351 finishers brave the cold drizzle, temperatures just above freezing and very muddy trails, to prove that local Thanksgiving spirit can't be dampened and that runners will truly run in anything. There was debate about whether it was the worst weather ever for this event, but there was no lightning or ice, and plenty of good cheer. Participants came from all over the country, with large contingents from Colorado, Maine and Massachusetts, and ranged in age from 2 to 73. Mathew Bilodeau, 23, of Plattsburgh, was the first finisher at 16:59, followed in by Brian Mongeon, 23, of Winooski (17:05) and Matt Biggart, 23, of Portland, ME (17:18). Megan Hepp, 25, of Charlotte, NC, was the first woman at 18:29, followed by Amy Haas, 32, of Brookline, MA (19:05) and Anna Holt-Gosselin, 19, of South Burlington (20:34). Looks like having a four-letter last name starting with H was a plus in the women's race! Mathew and Megan went home with beautiful floral centerpieces from Maplehurst Florist. The participants generously donated $2,165.10 and XXXX pounds of food to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. The Food Shelf sent a truck this year, a nod to our ever-increasing donation poundage, and a very welcome timesaver for the race director, who was able to get to her Thanksgiving dinner earlier than usual. The kids' race went off at 10:45, featuring approximately 50 enthusiastic young runners (including several in rubber boots) in an out-and-back 0.2-miler. Sherry Ricker, by completing her first-ever GMAA Turkey Trot, became the first woman ever to finish the entire slate of GMAA races in one season! She was presented with a commemorative singlet. Streaker Dave Fields (8 years, 86 consecutive GMAA races) turned in a sub-21-minute performance and was passed only in the last half mile by last year's winner, Rick Rountree, running injured (dog bite requiring stitches) but still fast. The race director has various salvaged items, including several hats and pairs of gloves and a checkbook. Call 865-7999 to claim. Note: for 2008, $1 will be saved from each runner’s entry fee to pay for the UVM facility fee and insurance fees.

Many thanks to the following volunteers: Matt Czaplinski, Megan Daly, Richarda Ericson*, Dave Fields*, Brian Kenney*, Julia Lewis*, Rick Rountree*, Kate Shore, Bobby Treadwell, Ethan Treadwell, Jack Treadwell, Charlie Windisch* (stars indicate they ran also!) & a mystery volunteer who picked up part of the course, perhaps on his/her cooldown

Thanks also to the following local businesses for generously donated prizes, supplies and/or facilities: Champlain Orchards, Dahlgren Footwear, Dan's Chocolate, Dunkin Donuts, EatingWell Magazine, Isis for Women, Maplehurst Florist, Run Vermont, UVM, Vermont Teddy Bear Compay

—Anne Treadwell

Link to race photos (coming soon)