Oceanside CA—More than 9,000 runners and walkers from 46 states flocked to scenic Oceanside, Calif. to “move their feet before they eat” at the 12th Annual Pacific Marine Credit Union O’side Turkey Trot and Kids Run on Thanksgiving Day.
The event, presented by Tri-City Medical Center, played out in warm weather under sunny blue skies against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The 10K, 5K Run/Walk and Kids Run brought together experienced racers, newcomers, families and friends.

Okwaro Raura repeated as the overall winner in the 10k with a time of 33:13, 1/100th of second off last years pace. “It was a good run this year, It was fun” said Raura.
“I had a personal best this year,” said second place finisher and Oceanside local, Edgar Romero. Edgar ran for the Oceanside High School track team and competes in the IRONMAN as well.
Meriah Earle of Escondido repeated her performance of last year to claim the top spot for the women in the 10k. “It was tough this year. Running up the hill on the pier is terrible and the uneven surface of the pier, it really knocks you off your pace but my time was better this year,” said Earle.

For the second year in a row, someone from out of town visiting relatives for Thanksgiving, Ryan Place-Ryan had the best time in the 5k, 14:59. “I am new to the San Diego running scene. I still live in Boston but I am here visiting my wife for Thanksgiving and thought this would be a fun run,” said Place-Ryan. “I always like to run hard on Thanksgiving. That way you can get a little more turkey down at dinner. I didn’t know what to expect at this race. You never about the local talent and who is going to show up. I just was feeling it out early. I got in a groove and started chasing some of these guys. About halfway through, I felt I could give it a little more effort and began reeling in the leader. I caught him at the last turn. In last 100m, I thought I better step it up or I might get kicked down from behind.”

“It was a fantastic morning with many smiling faces,” said Kathy Kinane, race director and president of Kinane Events. “The race gives people the chance to spend the morning doing something together, and getting the physical activity all of us need. And we saw some excellent running today.”

Men’s 10K Run/Walk (Overall):

1. – Okwaro Raura 33:13
2. – Edgar Romero 34:15
3. – Ryan Vilas 34:37

Women’s 10K Run/Walk (Overall):

1. – Meriah Earle 36:29
2. – Lindsey Drake 36:39
3. – Whitney Patton 37:14

Men’s 5K Run/Walk (Overall):

1. Ryan Place-Ryan 14:59
2. Joshua Litwiller 15:01
3. Collin Jarvis 15:18

Women’s 5K Run/Walk (Overall):

1. Molly Grabill 17:02
2. Elizabeth Place-Ryan 17:32
3. Marisa Ryan 17:38

Tri-City Medical Center Senior 1 Mile Run (Men)

1. Richard Pfeiffer 6:31
2. George Greco 6:37
3. Don Brown 7:04

Tri-City Medical Center Senior 1 Mile Run (Women)

1. Vickie Griffin 9:24
2. Lisa Hamilton 11:00
3. Anne Garrett 11:01

Tri-City Medical Center Senior 1 Mile Walk (Men)

1. Ron Finch 10:51
2. Jerry Small 17:24
3. Ernesto Balcita 17:29

Tri-City Medical Center Senior 1 Mile Walk (Women)

1. Nanci Hernandez 14:10
2. Diane Jameson 14:11
3. Barbara Mitchell 14:17

Complete results at: https://results.chronotrack.com/event/results/event/event-34941
The family-oriented event also included a one- to 1⁄4-mile kids runs and a three-day expo, as well as a Costume Contest.
Event highlights included Team Mickey, the family and friends of Mickey Stolzoff, the longtime race participant who passed away in October. Team Mickey ran in her honor. Also, Collin Jarvis, the former Rancho Buena Vista High and Cal Berkeley track star who was diagnosed a few years ago with Ulcerative Colitis, and now wears a colostomy bag when he runs. He spends his off-time talking to and inspiring other young athletes facing physical challenges. Jarvis finished third in the 5K.

Runners and walkers of all ages filled the Oceanside Pier area.
“The primary objective of the Turkey Trot is to get families outside and active together on a day that people routinely stay in,” said Kinane.
Along with individual runners, more than 50 teams participated in the 2017 event. Entrants designated part of their entry fees to support local schools and non-profits. The race benefits the Move Your Feet Before You Eat® Foundation, a charity founded by Kinane Events to promote physical activity. The PMCU O’side Turkey Trot has raised more than $270,000 for its participating charities.
Participants said they enjoyed the day.
“It’s a family tradition,” said Sandra Bockhorst. “My husband and myself started participation many years ago when the stepkids went to their mother’s. Then they got smart and realized how much fun they were missing. Now it’s a family tradition – we can’t believe how big it has gotten! Go Oceanside!
Runner Greg Pita called it the best Turkey Trot he’s ever done.
“Great course, great environment and very organized,” Pita said. “Love running on the Pier. The medals were awesome.”
The day before the Turkey Trot, the Tri-City Medical Center Senior Mile welcomed runners and walkers age 65 and older, the goal to include runners of all ages and skill levels in the events.
“We thank our generous sponsors, our volunteers and the entire community,” Kinane said. “This is an event that brings us together.”
For more information, please visit www.osideturkeytrot.com or call (760) 434-5255.