Morton wins Turkey Trot 5K

A record crowd of 458 people decided to get a little exercise before enjoying their Thanksgiving meal in Thursday's 17th annual Turkey Trot 5K at Highlands Hammock State Park.

Despite a slight drizzle that was falling, the many participants in Thursday's event took advantage of the cooler conditions to run some very fast times over the 3.2-mile course that winds through the scenic state park.

Renowned Heartland athlete Doug Morton breezed to first overall with a time 16 minutes, 34 seconds, while J.C. Pinto was the women's overall winner in a time of 18:23.

"It was a good day," said Morton. "I run this race in memory of my father-in-law, Dick Brown, and it's an event I always look forward to.

"Overall I'm pleased with my time and the turnout for this event is great and I hope it continues to grow."

The proceeds from the event go to help keep Highlands Hammock State Park in beautiful condition and to help keep the trails clean and usable.

"I'm so pleased with the turnout for this event," said Turkey Trot race coordinator Chet Brojek. "Even with the wet conditions, the community came out and supported a very worthy event. This is the biggest crowd we've ever had and the proceeds go to the Friends of Highlands Hammock State Park, which is a citizen's support organization and we do park enhancement projects.

"We pay for gas, golf carts, cleaning out the canals, repairing the mowing equipment, as well as many other things that the state budget doesn't cover, and that wouldn't be possible without the continued generosity of our community."

Male Master (ages 40-59) winner was Joe Woznicki with a time of 19:36, while the Female Master winner was Heidi Crutchfield with a time of 23:18.

Male Grand Master (ages 60-85) winner was Terry Engle with a 21:44, while Female Grand Master winner was Lois Hotchkiss with a time of 28:24.

Before the race, Brojek thanked the multitude of participants that helped to make this year's event the most attended in history.

"With all of its flaws and imperfections, this is still the greatest country in the world and we're so blessed to be able to enjoy all of the holidays," Brojek said. "It's because our men and women in the armed services are helping to keep us safe by doing their jobs all over the world.

"We're fortunate to have a jewel like Highlands Hammock State Park right here in our community and the projects we get involved in help to benefit the park and keep it looking good."

Sebring High School senior cross country runner Connor Bauer, who finished seventh in last Saturday's Class 3A state cross country meet in Dade City, placed second overall with a time of 16:43, while Tim Topa came in third in 17:05.

Andrew Altvater finished first in the men's 20-24 age group with a time of 17:56, while Matthew Schult placed second in 18:47.

Laura Woznicki finished first in the women's 20-24 age group with a time of 18:37, while former Blue Streak flash Maxime Copley placed second in 22:50 and Renee Hood came in third place with a time of 23:14.

The next local 5K event on tap is the Gator Gallop 5K at Highlands Hammock State Park on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 8 a.m.