Annual Turkey Trot 5K Race Draws Largest Field Ever

Turkey Trot 5K 2007

SEBRING - Doug Morton wasn't exactly in it to win it.
The 36 year-old environmental analyst from Sebring, who competed last week in a half-Iron Man competition in Miami, outpaced two of Highlands County's top prep runners to capture the overall title at the 15th annual Turkey Trot 5K at Highlands Hammock State Park.
"I'm really surprised to win it," said Morton, who finished the 3.2-mile course in 17 minutes, four seconds. "I expected [Sebring's Connor Bauer and Hardee's Gilberto Guiterriez] to be all over me at the end. They sprint a bit faster than I can."
Bauer, Sebring's lone state cross-country qualifier this past season, took top honors among 15-to 19-year old men with a 17:06, two seconds behind Morton. Guiterriez, meanwhile, held off top female finisher Laura Woznicki with a 17:25.
Woznicki, who also won women's division last year, said she hoped to compete for the overall title after finishing fifth overall last year. The University of Tampa senior moved one step closer to her goal this time around: She took fourth place overall on a course she called "one of my favorites to run."
"I always like racing here," said Woznicki, 21, whose father, Joe, won the 50-54 men's division. "It's such a peaceful place to be and a great environment to run in."
A record field of 338 racers finished the race, up from more than 150 last year. Race organizer and former Avon Park cross-country coach Chet Brojek said the turnout was outstanding, and that he was happy to see so many young kids competing.
"The thing that really surprises me is that we didn't do very much to advertise the race," Brojeck said, who noted more women (185) than men (153) finished the race. "I think events like the Heartland Triathlon and hospital race have re-kick-started the exercise regiment of some people."
Of course, many of the competitors came to the Hammock for an enjoyable stroll through the woods. Smiles were commonplace as racers feasted on oranges and bananas after the race and finishers encouraged those making their final kicks to the finish line.
Tyler O'Bannon of Sebring even helped carry his sister, Taryn, over the finish line.
"It was just to work his muscles," Taryn quipped.

2007 Turkey Trot 5K Results

Overall Male: Doug Morton 17:04
Overall Female: Laura Woznicki 17:27

Age Group Results:
MEN
Under 10 - Chase Ricketts 25:46, Heath Pratt 27:22; Danny Cool 35:10
10-14 - Clay Pratt 21:46; Jeremy Farrell, 22:04, Thomas Dash 22:20
15-19 - Conner Bauer 17:06, Gilberto Guiterriez 17:25, Ethan Noel 18:37
20-24 - Daniel Bedell 18:13, Nick Giordano 20:14, Nathan Skipper 21:24
25-29 - Stewart Skipper 21:53, Charles Reynolds 22:30, Brendon Dumont 22:36
30-34 - David McDaniel 25:06, Greg Griffin 26:15, Bob Swaine 26:16
35-39 - Bob Moulds 20:34, James Vickers 21:38, Andrew Ames 22:50
40-44 - Norman Bowers 23:29, Scott Harrington 23:35, Steven Blackburn 24:51
45-49 - Roger Travis 19:17, James Almaraz 22:42, John Whitehead 22:56
50-54 - Joseph Woznicki 19:38, Randy Sykes 19:50, Chuck Best 22:00
55-59 - Danny Glenn 22:03, Charlie Potter 24:22, Carl Cool 28:17
60-64 - Richard Rucker 25:12, Pep Hutchinson 25:19, Francisco Espaillat 28:14
65-69 - Frank Wenger 28:50, Malcom Bowes 29:59, Donald Benvenuti 34:59
70-74 - Harold Smith 26:17, Loyd Coleman 34:45, Bud Ennis 39:43
75-79 - H.L Pearson 62:12
80+ - W.H. Harward 49:09

WOMEN
Under 10 - Katie Carol 30:14, Jasmine Acevedo 34:55, Dannie Glassburn 38:48
10-14 - Blake Fort 24:03, Danielle Lower 26:35. Christina Almaraz 26:51
15-19 - Rebecca Thomas 21:23, Jennifer Klingbiel 22:33, Kaelyn Fort 24:28
20-24 - Bridget Blyth 25:07, Carly Delbert 31:29, Melanie Marusic 31:41
25-29 - Kim White 25:28, Crystal Sinclair 25:34, Kathy Waters 25:58
30-34 - Regan Davenport 19:50, Julie Balboni 27:35, Julia Nickerson-Troy 29:10
35-39 - Vicki Musselman 25:24, Adele Almaraz Aris 26:54, Lipi Pratt 28:57
40-44 - Jennifer Glassburn 24:31, Lisa Celentano 25:44, Diane Tucker 26:18
45-49 - Kathleen Hammock 24:48, Linda Arredondo 26:23, Darlene Celentano 28:13
50-54 - Laura Griffin 23:02, Ginny Skipper 34:55, Marcia Percy 35:47
55-59 - Gail Tew 28:17, Crystal Vanderpool 33:51, Susan Carter 38:42
60-64 - Marcia Kissane 33;40, Ilona Helliangao 40:41, Karen Benvenuti 41:03
65-69 - Sandy Brosius 33:53, Audrey Smith 38:48, Ethel Austin 45:56
70-74 - Jan Coyle 46:53
75-79 - Linda Pearson 48:55
80+ - Colleen Moore 48:45