Ready, set go: start of 5K race Mike Polansky/Herald
Massapequa’s annual Turkey Trot tradition returned in full stride this November, with more than 2,700 runners and walkers participating in two separate 5-kilometer races just five days apart.
The Massapequa Park 5K Turkey Trot kicked off Nov. 22 at Brady Park, where 463 participants turned out despite overcast skies and intermittent rain. On Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 27, a record crowd of 2,292 gathered at Burns Park for the larger Massapequa 5K Turkey Trot, braving cold temperatures and blustery winds.
• Massapequa Park Turkey Trot — Nov. 22
Hank Barker, 18, of Springfield, Missouri, was the overall winner of the Brady Park race, finishing in 16 minutes, 55 seconds. Local standout Sean Kildare, 28, of Massapequa Park, placed second in 17:04, edging out 45-year-old Sal Nastasi, also of Massapequa Park, by less than a second. Nastasi had finished second in each of the two previous races.
Lisa Argast of West Islip was the top female finisher at 19:32. Emily Cullinan and Sophia Nislow, both of Massapequa, placed first and second, respectively, in the female 14-and-under division, finishing within a second of each other.
It was a fun start for the kids Fun Run
About 50 children completed a half-mile Fun Run around the Massapequa Reservoir ahead of the main race.
Proceeds from the event benefited the Massapequa-based YES Community Counseling Center, which provides substance use treatment and mental health services for families, children and adults across Nassau County.
Massapequa Turkey Trot , Nov. 27
A strong field gathered Thanksgiving morning at Burns Park, despite heavy winds that made it impossible for organizers to set up the traditional inflatable finish line.
Tyler McPartland of North Bellmore claimed the overall title in 15:28. Kate McNerney of Merrick led all women with a time of 18:16—both faster than last year’s rain-soaked winning times.
Among local highlights, Dylan Forrester of Massapequa Park finished fifth overall and won the men’s 20-29 age group. Michelle Walker of Massapequa placed second among female finishers for the second year in a row.
Emily Cullinan and Sophia Nislow of Massapequa capture first and second place respectively.
Runners from across Massapequa, Massapequa Park, North Massapequa, Farmingdale and Amityville took home top-three age-group honors.
Roughly 40 young runners also completed a half-mile Fun Run prior to the 5K.
Charitable proceeds from the Thanksgiving race supported two organizations: the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which funds research for blood cancers, and the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, which assists sick and underprivileged children and provides holiday gifts for those in need.
Massapequa High School track and field coach Richard Degnan brought student athletes to serve as race volunteers.
Left: Local finisher Dylan Forrester of Massapequa Park
Above: Overall winner in women’s division Lisa Argast.
Travis Gil of Massapequa
Overall winner Tyler McPartland
Overall winner Hank Barker
Sam Kildare outkicks Sal Nastasi.