Tallahassee Turkey Trot Smorgasbord
Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2008

Turkey Gobbler 1 Mile Run/Walk - 8:00 A.M.
5K, 10K and 15K - 8:30 A.M.

Music Fest – 2:00 – 6:00 pm.
November 23, 2008
Come help us support the Refuge House and other great causes.
A Community Event Sponsored by Gulf Winds Track Club

2007 Results

In 1976 fifty or so runners gathered on Natural Bridge Road to run ten miles and a few more toed the starting line for a two mile run for the very first running of what has come to be known as the Tallahassee Turkey Trot. This year we celebrate the 33rd running of this event. It is not your ordinary competitive event. While there is no doubt there will be fast runners, it is also a day for families and friends to come together. The Tallahassee community has responded to this event in a very special way to create a truly unique atmosphere. Thanksgiving Day is a day that brings us all together, gives us time to reflect on the positive things in our lives, and motivates us to share just a little bit extra with the community we call home. 2008 will be the 33rd running of this race and it is your chance to be part of something special. Here's how:

* Celebrate your own health and fitness by finishing a 1 mile race, a 5K (3.1 miles), a 10K (6.2 miles) or a 15K (9.3 miles). Thanksgiving is the day we all like to share a big meal with family and friends. Why not get a head start on burning the calories this day demands we consume by starting the day with exercise. The Turkey Gobbler is a 1 mile fun run/walk that starts at 8:00 a.m. and is great for kids and walkers. The main course begins at 8:30 a.m. when the 5K, 10K, and 15K races start. Walking the 5K is a great way to participate as well. Big eaters are encouraged to go for the maximum calorie burn in the 10K or 15K. The courses are TAC certified and the races will begin in front of Eatz Café in the state satellite offices at SouthWood.

* Support the Refuge House with your race entry fee or sponsorship contribution. Since 2001 the main beneficiary of Turkey Trot proceeds has been the Refuge House. More than $40,000 has been raised for the Refuge House since that time. The mission of Refuge House is to provide direct services to battered women, their children and sexual assault survivors, as well as to work to eliminate the conditions in society that allow such violence to continue. Our goal is to help get that word out and provide support.

* Support The Shelter, Inc. On a day of plenty, a little help for those without goes a long way. A portion of the race proceeds will also go to The Shelter, Inc. Turkey Trot is one of the longest running friends of The Shelter and every year you will find the Turtle in the race logo.

* Fill the U-Haul Truck - One of the most impressive things each year is to see the load that Judy Alexander and Brian Corbin drive away with in the big U-Haul truck. Bring your contributions of cash, nonperishable food, clothes or toiletry items to share, and Judy and Brian, courtesy of U-Haul, will make sure it gets to those who need it.

* Support the Kent Vann Partners in Excellence Awards. Since this program started more than $5,000 has been donated to school programs through the Kent Vann Partners in Excellence Awards.

* Support GWTC’s efforts to promote running and fitness in the Tallahassee Community. Gulf Winds organizes 12-14 races each year, a summer track series, training programs for beginning and experienced runners, supports youth running and many other great causes. A portion of your race proceeds will support this great organization. If you are not a member of this great organization (and it does not matter how fast you run) you should check out the membership page today.

Music Fest

A Musical Short Cut to the Starting Line
Register and Pick up Packets 2:00 -6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 23, Sittig Hall, League of Cities Building

The official "kickoff" to the 2008 Tallahassee Turkey Trot takes place at Sittig Hall in the League of Cities Building on Nov. 23 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. You can register for the 5, 10, or 15K (or the one mile Turkey Gobbler), and pick up your race number, timing chip and t-shirt at the same time. With the tremendous growth of the Turkey Trot in the past several years, there has been quite a surge in day-of-the-race registration. This has resulted in some long lines for those who wait to enter until just before race time. The Music Fest is an opportunity to take care of business ahead of time, and have a more relaxed and enjoyable pre-race experience Thanksgiving morning. If you pre-register at Music Fest, it will also take a BIG load off race volunteers Thursday, and they will GREATLY appreciate it. And, last but not least, you will be guaranteed your shirt BEFORE the race and you can do it at the early registration price.

So come join us at Sittig Hall and get into the holiday spirit of giving. The Turkey Trot's two main beneficiaries, the Shelter and Refuge House, are welcoming donations of nonperishable food, clothes and toiletry items. As an alternative, people are encouraged to donate via check to either of these organizations, or to the Chenoweth Fund, which provides support for youth running in the Big Bend area. As the Turkey Trot becomes an even stronger holiday tradition in Tallahassee, we would very much like to increase its support of these very worthy causes. We believe that sharing with those in difficult or less fortunate circumstances is a wonderful way to give thanks for the many blessings that have been bestowed on us.

So, please join us at the Music Fest to kick off the holiday season in style! Sittig Hall is located at the corner of College and Duval Street in downtown Tallahassee. Come enjoy the live music and cold refreshments. And remember, it's a lot more than just a good time. By entering and picking up your packet early, you will help ensure a smoother Turkey Trot race morning for everyone. And by donating whatever you can to one of the Turkey Trot's causes, you will be helping to add some happiness to others' holidays, as well. See you there!

Race Awards/Special Commemorative Medal

Awards will be given to the top two finishers, male and female, for each race. Team Awards will be presented to the top two teams in the 5K, 10K and 15K. Teams must have at lease one member of each sex and may have a maximum of six members, with the top four runners scoring. Contact Tim Unger at unger4122@comcast.net for more information.

Kent Vann Partners In Excellence Award

Kent Vann was a member of GWTC until cancer took his life. Few people exemplify the Spirit of Thanksgiving more than this special person. The middle school and elementary school with the most participants (minimum of 20) will each receive a Kent Vann Partners In Excellence Award of $300. Second place (minimum 15) will receive $200. The school that brings in the most items for the Refuge House or nonperishable food items will also receive $300, while second place will receive $200. Schools must turn in a list of participants at the finish line.

Community Champion - 2008 - To be Named

Each year we recognize a person involved in running who has made major contributions to helping make our community a better place. The 2004 Community Champion was Joe Dexter.

Past winners

Joe Dexter (2004) Joe Dexter is an indispensable member of GWTC, elected to its Hall of Fame (1997) and named Race Director of the Year (1989). Joe has probably directed more races in Tallahassee than any other two race directors combined. He currently is the club’s equipment manager, a thankless job that puts him on 24 hour call. More importantly, he is an outstanding teacher at Florida High, specializing in Middle School Science, Interdisciplining and Team Teaching. Joe was the District Teacher of the Year in 2004, repeating an award he also won in 1993.

Bill McGuire (2003) A founding member of GWTC, a promoter and director of Turkey Trot, a talented musician and a star teacher at Gretchen Everhart, Bill McGuire gives generously of himself to others. A member of the GWTC Hall of Fame, Runner of the Year and much, much more, Bill is a most deserving recipient of our 2003 Community Champion Award.

Susan Cornwell (2002) - Susan Cornwell is a teacher in the Quantum program at Belle Vue Middle School. Is there a better Champion than one who invests in the lives of our children, not with their words, but with their deeds? For four years Susan has driven all over the county shuttling Bell Vue students to cross country meets and road races as the Coach of the Belle Vue Bears. She is an active member of GWTC who has made a tremendous difference in the lives of our children.

Kim Batten (2001) Kim Batten’s accomplishments include: 1995 World champion; 1996 Olympic silver medalist; 1997 World bronze medalist; 6-time U.S. Outdoor champion ('91, '94, '95, '96, '97, '98); 1995 Pan Am champion; 1998 World Cup bronze medalist; World 400mH record holder; 2-time Olympian ('96, '00). Kim was active in the Tallahassee Community working with the FSU track program and youth programs in the area.

Gary Droze (2000) has been a member of GWTC for more than fifteen years. During that time he was Runner of the Year (1992), was inducted into the Hall of Fame (1993) and received the Caldwell Advancement of the Sport Award (1996). He has conducted interval sessions for GWTC since prehistoric times and has led his Maclay High School track and cross country teams to nine state titles. Even more importantly, he has led many athletes down the road to becoming first class adults.

Jessie Close (1999) the 1989, 1991 and 1995 winner of the Turkey Trot 15K was our first recipient of the “Community Champion Award.” Jessie is an outstanding member of the Tallahassee community and one of those people who make our community a better place.

Statistics

1. Past winners

1976 - 10M - Tim Simpkins (53:33)/Betty Ely (78:10)

1977 - 10M - Tim Simpkins (52:49)/Rosemary Deslodge (1:05:30); Masters: Leitch Wright (1:02:23)

1978 - 15K - Ken Misner (46:30)/Janice Gage (58:14)

1979 - 15K - Chuck Jowell (49:03)/Janice Gage (1:01:06)

1980 - 15K - Gary Slayton (48:06)/Laura Ledbetter (58:16)

1981 - 15K - Ernie McKee (46:50)/Liz Tromboli (58:54)

1982 - 15K - George West (47:47)/Margaret Coomber (55:51)

1983 - 15K - Ronnie Treadway (47:02)/Carla Borovicka(55:29)

1984 - 15K - Rick Miller (49:41.5)/Margaret Coomber (57:23.0)

1985 - 15K - Larry Greene(46:31)/Karen MacHarg (56:49)

1986 - 15K - Herb Wills (47:35)/ Carla Borovicka (53:36)

1987 - 15K - Paul Waldron (46:26)/Carla Borovicka (53:49)

1988 - 15K - Herb Wills (47:18)/Carla Borovicka (54:08) 5K - Rick Miller (15:36)/Yvonne Gsteiger (20:21)

1989 - 15K - Jessie Close (47:05)/Janice Hochstein (57:25)- 5K - Gary Droze (16:02)/Kathy Bishop (21:45)

1990- 15K Jeff Wentworth (48:37)/ Paula Johnson (58:34) 5K Patrick Calcutt (15:54)/Kathy Scarth (22:06)

1991- Jessie Close (48:54)/Tina Davies (60:51)

1992- 15K Douglas Henry(55:35)/Sissi Carroll (1:03:17) 10K Bill Crooks (33:52)/Lynda Nilges (38:00)

1993- 15K – Overall - Thomas Holshouser (55:32)/Paula Johnson-Linda Nilges (1:04:15); Masters: Tom Thomas (1:01:48)/Kathy Weiss (1:07:24) 10K – Overall - Gary Droze (32:43)/Carrie Weyant (38:02); Masters – Mark Harmon (38:12)/Priscilla Trescott (55:00); Overall - 5K Tony Wade (17:23)/Kirsty Wade (17:45), Masters Bruce Lynn (22:31)/Dean Kindley (31:43).

1994-15K Terry Presnell(55:06)/Carrie Weyant (58:50) 10K Jason Gowans(34:56)/Rachel Kosiewski (43:19)

1995- 15K Jessie Close(49:12)/Carrie Weyant (59:40) 10K Jeff Nielsen (34:17)/Chateau Mangaroo (40:40) 5K John Rogers (18:14)/Nicole Hylan (22:55)

1996- 15K Clarence Calloway (54:55)/Carrie Weyant (59:51) 10K Gary Droze (31:37)/Susan Bergh (40:34) 5K Dana Carpenter (18:37)/Kim Pawelek (17:23)

1997 - 15K Jeff Nielsen (52:57)/Carrie Weyant (59:40) 10K Lee Willis (32:37)/Sarah Docter-Williams (37:35) 5K Corey Cherr (17:01)/Jordann Baker (21:40) 1 Mile Casey Perkins (7:23)/Meaghan Scott (8:03)

1998 - 15K Robert Pautienus (52:57)/Jane Johnson (58:20) 10K Lee Willis (32:38)/Sarah Docter-Williams (37:37) 5K Michael Joanos (16:33)/Anne Johanson (21:56)

1999 - 15K - Overall: Men: Tim Unger (53:52) Women: Jane Johnson (58:38) Masters: Men: Jerry Ongley (57:43) Women: Carol Winger (1:16:17); 10K - Overall: Men: Gary Droze (33:34) Women: Sarah Docter-Williams (38:02) Masters: Men: Bill McGuire (37:52) Women: Nancy Widener (44:35); 5K - Overall: Men: Lee Willis (15:44) Women: Julie Carico (20:15) Masters: Men: Kiff Mendoza (19:54) Women: Susan Miller (23:16)

2000 – 15K Overall - (tie) Gary Droze and Art Remillard (54:30); Jane Johnson (58:39); Masters: Tim Unger (54:49); Yvonne Gsteiger (1:08:23); 10K – Overall – Lee Willis (33:02); Allison Eagan (40:02); Masters: Paul Hoover 35:53; Judy Chin 44:52; 5K Breeda Dennehy-Willis (16:56); Jason Stegall (17:55); Masters: Dave Peterson (19:33); Peggy Simpson 21:37; 1M – Casey Perkins ( ); Meagan Scott (7:01)

2001 - 15K Overall: Men - Slade Ward (55:43); Women - Cynthia Lyons (1:04:01). Masters: Men - Rick Melendez (58:39); Women - Carrie Weyant (1:06:28) 10K Overall: Men - Matt Katz (35:11); Women - Kate Remillard (38:19) Masters: Men - Reid Vannoy (36:39); Women - Jane Johnson (40:16) 5K Overall: Men - Hunter Cook (17:32); Women - Julia Bryant (21:21)

2002 – 15K Overall: Men - Jessie Close (53:30); Women – Carrie Weyant (1:03:26)
Masters: Men – Dick Beardsley (55:02); Women – Judy Chin (1:13:33)
10K Overall: Men – Gary Droze (34:55); Women – Jane Johnson (41:08)
Masters: Men – Bill McGuire (36:18); Women – Sue Hensley (45:54)
5K Overall: Men – Shawn Patterson (16:47); Women – Karol Withrow (19:42)
Masters: Men – Bob Fisher (19:56); Women – Fran McLean (21:18)

2003 - 15K Overall: Men – Jessie Close (51:54); Women – Luanne Coulter (59:54)
Masters: Men – Tim Unger (56:52); Women – Jane Johnson (1:02:49)
10K Overall: Philip Rowan (34:15); Sarah Docter-Williams (37:42)
5K Overall: Corey Preugschat (17:18); Karla Savery (20:47)
Masters: Karl Hempel (18:21); Fran McLean (22:51)

2004 - 15K Overall: Men – Matthew Dobson (50:42); Women – Jane Johnson (59:54)
15K Masters: Men – Jessie Close (52:45); Women – Debbie Lamarche (1:11:30)
10K Overall: Men - Charlie Johnson (36:37); Women – Sarah Docter-Williams (37:08)
10K Masters: Men - Reid Vannoy – (38:06); Women – Janice Hochstein (46:16)
5K Overall: Men - Caleb Carmichael (16:34); Women – Karol Withrow (19:23)
5K Masters: Men – Karl Hempel (18:33); Women – Fran McLean (20:47)

2005 - 15K Overall: Men - Jessie Close (52:34); Women - Luanne Coulter (57:59)
15K Masters: Men - Felton Wright (1:00:12); Women - Jane Johnson 1:02:05.
10K Overall: Men - Gary Droze (34:56); Women - Sarah Docter-Williams (37:35)
10K Masters: Men - Reid Vannoy (36:58); Women - Julie Clark (45:32)
5K Overall: Men - Alex Miletich (16:34); Women - Jennifer Emo (20:03)
5K Masters: Men - Tim Unger (17:44); Women - Piper Stockman (23:53)

2006 - 15K Overall: Men - Matthew Dobson (50:24); Women - Sheryl Rosen (58:24)
15K Masters: Men - Jessie Close (52:58); Women - Jane Johnson (1:02:48)
10K Overall: Men - Alex Brickler (32:52); Breeda Dennehy-Willis (35:20)
10K Masters: Men - Gary Droze (34:17); Fran McLean (44:27)
5K Overall: Men - Calvin Vannoy (16:40); Sarah Docter-Williams (18:16)
5K Masters: Men - Tim Unger (17:56); Krista Killius (21:43)

2007 - 15K Overall: Men - Jay Wallace (54:37); Women - Sheryl Rosen (59:52)
15K Masters: Men - Todd Smoot (55:15); Women - Jane Johnson (1:07:52)
10K Overall: Men - Alex Brickler (34:56); Michelle Sikes (41:52)
10K Masters: Men - Paul Hoover (41:23); Gina Snyder (42:25)
5K Overall: Men - Stephan Smith (15:37); Micah Adriani (18:39)
5K Masters: Men - Michael Martinez (16:55); Alice Smoot (20:28)

2. Overall Results from Past Years

3. Records

GWTC - A Great Group to Join