Proper racing accessories are needed for the Turkey Trot.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
By HENRY KAMER
This Thanksgiving, the 10th annual Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot took place at Palisades Charter High School on November 8.
More than 2,000 trotters paid a minimum of $40 to run, walk, or jog starting at the Stadium of the Sea as they went through the school and then up Bowdoin and into the Asilomar Bluffs and surrounding neighborhood.
Turkey General David Houston led the way for the runners.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
Runners had a quick glimpse of the beautiful Asilomar Bluffs lookout and the Pacific Ocean before turning back to Bowdoin to finish the race strong.
There were two races, the 5k and the 10k (3.1 miles and 6.2 miles for my fellow non-metric understanding Americans). All proceeds from the race went to multiple charities, including the Friendship Circle, an international group with a Los Angeles chapter that provides recreational activities to disabled youth while fostering a sense of community. Proceeds also went to local fire stations #69 and #23. The race has contributed for years to Desita, which through Dr. Daniel Levy provides medical missions in Central and South America.
The day started off chilly and cloudy but quickly broke into classic Palisades’ sunshine and warmth. Lots of spectators and helpers were there to supply water and guide and cheer on runners, including the Pali Ambassadors and residents of the Asilomar Bluffs neighborhood.
Prior to the race, participants picked up their goodie bags at the Swarthmore Room in the Village from November 25-27. The Lululemon bag, which was one of the many sponsors, included a Turkey Trot shirt (orange for 5k, red for 10k), a bib, and sponsor discount cards as well as a chocolate bar (this reporter sadly did not find one, instead finding dental floss and a toothbrush). Other sponsors included Equinox, the Palisades’ own Bay Theatre, and Reaktr.ai, a leading AI cybersecurity company who has sponsored the last few runs.
5k winner Stephen Sloan (center) is surrounded by runners-up Alex Cornell (left) and Luke Malinda (right), who took a break on a bed by Hastens, a race sponsor, after the race.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
Maddie Giorgio won the 5K.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
All were welcome to run, and there was even a ¼ mile run or one lap for the under 10-year-olds. All participants got a medal, and 5K top three included Luke Malinda, Alex Cornell, and Stephen Sloan (first). The winner of the woman’s division for the 5K was Maddie Giorgio.
Winning the 10K for the males was Justin Crinchlow and the woman winner was Marissa Kellogg. . All results for trotters, strollers, and dog walkers (who were not allowed on the PaliHi track) can be found at the Palisades Turkey Trot.
10k Winner Marissa Kellogg.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
In true Palisades fashion, after completing the race, Turkey Trotters could test out a Hästens $75,000 mattress (that’s right folks, that’s not a typo) on the football field. The price might seem a bit steep, but it does come complete with a sleep app and a sleep mask.
10k Winner Justin Crinchlow.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
The event was extremely fun and was a great way to bring the community together to accomplish a healthy feat to start off Thanksgiving Day. After all, if you ran in the morning, that meant unlimited turkey at the dinner table.
If you’d like to help sponsor next year’s event or be part of this fun community event, contact race organizer David O’Connell, click here.
There was a 440 meter run for the kids at the Turkey Trot.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN