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Town of Frisco see big showing for second annual Turkey Day 5K

Sebastian Foltz
sfoltz@summitdaily.com
Runners in Thursday's second annual Turkey Day 5K had to contend with portions of the Summit Recpath that were covered in ankle deep snow. Most enjoyed the added challenge.
Sebastian Foltz / sfoltz@summitdaily.com |

Hours before a single turkey hit a dinner table, over 500 runners, walkers and their dogs gathered in Frisco for the second annual Turkey Day 5K.

“It’s a great family start to Thanksgiving,” Summit resident Eddie Bowers, 54, said after finishing. He was joined by five other family members for the morning run.

The now annual race kicked off with clear skies and mild temperatures on Frisco’s 3rd Avenue with a 9:30 a.m. start. The pack of runners and walkers — some complete with Thanksgiving-themed hats and costumes — set out toward the Summit County recpath for a loop course that ended in the Peak One neighborhood below Mount Royal.



“It was super challenging,” local runner Joe Howdyshell, 31, said, describing snow-covered portions of the course like running through mashed potatoes. Howdyshell took second behind Texas native Ryan Saam, 22, whose family has a second home in Frisco. The pair crossed the finish line in a little over 20 minutes, while others took their time and enjoyed the morning sun.

“It was tough coming from Texas,” Saam said, having arrived to town Sunday. The cross-country and track runner at Sam Houston State University added that conditions combined with elevation made the course especially challenging.



“The powder really made it tough,” he explained.

Runners had to contend with portions of the course that were covered in ankle-deep snow, as well as occasionally icy spots on Frisco neighborhood roads.

But the more than 500 participants were all smiles and didn’t seem to mind or even welcomed the additional challenge.

Many like Bowers came out with family and friends to enjoy the morning before sitting down to family feasts later in the day.

“I think people are looking to burn off some calories before dinner,” race organizer Sara Skinner said, while cheering people on at the finish line. “It’s great, everybody has a great energy.”

Proceeds from the race benefit the Frisco Elementary STEM program, which promotes science-, technology- and math-based curriculum initiatives.

Last year the race raised around $1,000 for the program, organizers anticipate a similar total this year.


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