Thanksgiving has become the largest participatory running day of the year. In Colorado, that holds true as well. From Durango to Frisco, Colorado Springs to Fort Collins, thousands of people took place in the at least 20+ different Thanksgiving Day races across our great state.
The largest event is still the Mile High United Way Turkey Tort 4 Mile in Denver’s Washington Park. Preston Cates of Fayetteville, AR lead nearly 8,000 runners and walkers across the finish line with a time of 20:19. Lindsey Koch of Englewood led the ladies in 23:23.
Up in Fort Collins is probably the most competitive race. The Thanksgiving Day 4 Mile draws pro level talent from across the area to compete for a $3600 prize purse. This year, Boulder’s Noah Droddy ran a blistering 18:56 (4:43/mile) to take home the top prize, leading 1,900 runners and walkers to the finish. This year, it took a sub-5 minute mile pace to crack the top ten overall! Boulder’s Aisha Leer led the ladies with her 21:19 clocking.
Down in Castle Rock, Joe Grey again took the victory at the Turkey Rock Trot 5K in a very fast 14:54. He was followed by 2,800 other runners and walkers. 12-year-old Bethany Michalak of Colorado Springs took the top honors for the ladies, running a very fast 17:46.
The YMCA Turkey Trot 5K in Colorado Springs had 3,500 finishers who were led by Scott Dahlberg of Laramie in 15:29. Amy Shackelford of Colorado Springs led the ladies in 19:13.
Out in Durango, the Durango Motorless Transit put on their annual Turkey Trot 5 mile. Local runner Ian Huang ran 27:17 and led close to 600 runners. Maggie Yount took top honors for the ladies in 29:31.
For more Thanksgiving Day race results, click here.