30th Annual Turkey Trot Draws Record Turnout

Thousands filled Tamaques Park on Nov. 30 for the 30th Anniversary of Westfield’s Turkey Trot, which had a record turnout.

Over 1,500 people from Westfield and across New Jersey participated in a one-mile and five-mile. In first place of the 5-Mile was Michael Dixon, 30, of Fanwood with a time of 5:14, in second place was 17-year-old Alexander Livernois of Scotch Plains with a time of 5:32 and in third was Flavio Guacelli,49, of Short Hills with a time of 5:33. View the results of the 5M, here.  

The top female runners for the 5 Mile included Caroline Williams, 17, of Westfield in first place with a time of 5:44, Kir Selert, 26, of Brooklyn in second with a time of 5:52 and Erika Meling, 24 of New Brunswick with a time of 5:44.

In first place for the one-mile was 14-year-old Sullivan Colin of Scotch Plains with a time of 5:24, in second-place was Mario Ricca Jr.,52,  of Staten Island with a time of 5:55 and in third-place was 11-year-old Brian Viscido of Westfield with a time of 6:25. Places 4 through 10 for the one-mile were all Westfield residents. View the 1M results, here. 

In the 1-Mile race, 11-year-old Rebecca White of Westfield was the defending first place runner with a time of 6:25, White was just shy of third place overall. In second place was Carolyn Bechtloff, 14 of Westfield with a time of 6:38 and in third was Taylor Bechtloff, 14, of Westfield with a time of 6:46.

Tears Smith, one of the organizers with Sports Action & Reaction, said the event is growing every year, but includes many of the same faces each race.

“We welcome back Trot alumni year after year - many local, others who travel quite a distance within NJ, and others from far off states who are visiting family for the holidays,” Smith said.

He added that about half of the participants come from Westfield and the immediately surrounding towns.

“A few local groups benefit from the event, keeping in line with the community feel,” Smith said.

Smith said that the run partners with local high school track teams, the art club and the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad. 

“It's exciting to experience such a diversified mix of runners and walkers of all abilities and ages sharing the same courses,” Smith said.

Next year’s Turkey Trot will be held on Nov. 29.