Turkey Trot races attract 15,415 runners

By BOB PUTNAM

Times Staff Writer

CLEARWATER — They arrived at dawn, ready to race in the 31st annual Times Turkey Trot.

Despite chilly weather, 15,415 runners from around the county and the state participated in Thursday morning's 5K (3.1-mile) Wingding, 1-mile Gobbler and 10K (6.2-mile) Turkey Trot.

The best runners were in the front, thousands more behind them. The spectators were everywhere, covering the sidewalks and letting out whoops. Everyone was cheered. Young or old. Fast or slow.

Tony Nicolosi won the men's 10K Trot in 31 minutes, 43 seconds. Christa Benton was the women's champion in 35:43.

The 5K winners were Russell Snyder (15:10) and Jacki Wachtel (18:06) and 1-mile champions were Nick Ferrer (4:43) and Kendra Miller (6:27).