Annual Thiensville Turkey Trot 5K draws over 1,000 runners

Before indulging at the Thanksgiving dinner table, over 1,000 people made sure to get their exercise in, running in the annual Thiensville 5K Turkey Trot.

The annual 5K run has gained popularity over the years, growing from just a couple hundred runners, to over 1,000 this year. The race events include the 5K run/walk through the Village of Thiensville, and a 100 meter dash for children nine and under at Thiensville Village Park. The race is organized by the Junior Women's Club of Mequon-Thiensville. It is a hometown race, but also a homecoming of sorts, and a chance for those who venture back to the area for the holidays to reconnect.

"This is our second year, and it's my friend Tabitha and my sister Kim, all the way from North Carolina," one runner said.

For Miles Guessford and his mother, Kathy, the race provided an outlet for some good, old-fashioned family competition, to see who could be the fastest. "I'm going to win, for sure. My mom runs marathons, and I'm still going to beat her, no training at all," Miles said. "The problem is, he's 18, and I'm in my 40s, so he has the benefit of youth," Kathy said.

Non-perishable food items are collected during the race, and donations are made to several organizations, including Family Sharing, which is an Ozaukee food pantry that helps 300 families. Runners were happy to help those less fortunate, and also happy to get their daily dose of cardio in before stuffing their face with Thanksgiving dinner.