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Thousands of runners, walkers, families and dogs filled Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood for the 50th annual Alexandria Turkey Trot, marking half a century of Thanksgiving Day competition and community support.
The event began in 1975 with 244 runners and has since become one of the Mid-Atlantic’s leading Thanksgiving races, drawing more than 6,000 participants in recent years.
Adrien McCulloch, who has participated for the past five years, said reaching the race’s 50th anniversary made this year especially important. There was another incentive, too: making room for Thanksgiving turkey.
Retired Judge James Clark served as grand marshal and completed his 50th consecutive Turkey Trot on Nov. 27. Clark, who helped lead the inaugural race alongside then-Mayor Jim Moran, has run every year since—including during a snowstorm when the official event was canceled. He finished this year’s course in 1:22:24.
The USATF-certified five-mile route begins and ends at George Washington Middle School and winds through Del Ray. Designated starting areas allow participants with strollers and dogs to join the family-friendly event.
Cameron Miller won the race in 23:37. Jonathan Carmin placed second in 24:13, followed by Mulgeta Feyisaa in 24:20. Ryan Witters and Aregawi Charles completed the top five, with each finisher recording a time under 25 minutes.
Competitors raced for $2,000 in prize money, with additional bonuses available for breaking a course record. The men’s record of 22:50 and the women’s mark of 25:32 remained intact.
The event also continued its longstanding support for ALIVE!, Alexandria’s oldest private safety-net organization addressing poverty and hunger. Participants were encouraged to donate nonperishable food. Over the race’s five decades, it has generated thousands of pounds of food and substantial financial support for local families.
Nicole James participated with close friends, 9-year-old Isaac James and her sister, Sabrina James. The siblings compete in track for Alexandria-based Spartan Chosen. James said the group came to support the community while emphasizing the importance of staying active and healthy.