The annual Turkey 2 Miler brought runners and walkers of all ages together Thanksgiving morning at the Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex, with participants flocking from near and far — including Louisiana and Minnesota — to take part in the festive event.
The race, a Thanksgiving tradition for many families, followed a route through the Sports Complex and along a portion of the Dick and Willie Trail. Starting and finishing at the complex, participants were treated to picturesque views while competing for awards in various categories, including top male and female runners and age-group honors.
“It was great, the weather was cooperative,” said Brad Kinkema, executive director of the YMCA, which organizes the event. “The best thing about the Turkey Two is that families come out as part of their family tradition every year.”
Kinkema emphasized the event’s inclusive nature, welcoming both runners and walkers. “Whether you’re running competitively or just walking with your family, it’s about being active together,” he said.
This year’s Turkey 2 Miler drew 225 participants, with some traveling from as far as Louisiana and Minnesota. “We had people from all over that came here to run; that’s very unique,” Kinkema noted.
Top Finishers
The male division saw a tight race for first place, with Jackson Gunter finishing at 11:50.54, averaging 5:55 per mile. Sage Turner claimed second with a time of 11:52.92, while Gilberto Aros rounded out the top three at 12:25.16.
In the women’s division, Cheyenne Marinus took first place with a time of 15:15.03, averaging 7:37 per mile. Jillian Gravatt followed closely in second at 15:23.94, with Rachel Hunsicker finishing third at 15:33.44.
After the final walkers crossed the finish line, participants gathered for an awards ceremony, where snacks and beverages were available. Inflatable turkeys provided a whimsical backdrop for family photos, adding to the festive atmosphere.
“It’s wonderful to see families making this a part of their holiday tradition,” Kinkema said.
The Turkey 2 Miler is one of the final races of 2024. The Holiday Fun Run, scheduled for Dec. 7 at the Martinsville Speedway, will close out the year’s race calendar. Kinkema said that the 2025 season is set to kick off in February, with more opportunities for community fitness and camaraderie.
