2025 Medina Turkey Chase - Guest Post by Turkey Tom

Editor's note: from time to time, we here at Dan Horvath's Running Blog invite guest posts. This is one such instance. Turkey Tom done good.

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Julie Boggs (Left) and Turkey Tom (Right)

"You have to act silly and run very slowly." Those were the job requirements set forth by Race Director Beth. "I was born to do this," I answered.

Race Director Brian helped me get suited up. We didn't want a wardrobe malfunction today, and the suit presented many such opportunities. Most importantly, I wanted to stay vertical for the entire run. I saw several of my friends prior to the start. They were surprised to learn that I was THE Turkey today. Evidently, we did a good job of keeping my identity secret.

Before the four-mile race, it was time for the one-mile kids' fun run. I started and finished the run, but I didn't do the middle. That's the hard part. It was fun to encourage the kids as they came into the finish.

The start

I gave myself a bit of a head start for the main event. But eventually, after oh, ten yards or so, the lead runners caught and passed me. I didn't think I would be the overall winner today, anyway. The deal at this race is that, if you beat the turkey, you win a shot at $100 off a pair of running shoes. During the race, several folks were surprised to see me. And, of course, to pass me. But pass me, they did. Several asked if I was "THE" Turkey. I said yes and gave them the thumbs-up. This, even though turkeys don't really have thumbs. And by the way, I didn't trip, but those turkey feet made running a little challenging.

Among those passing me were running friends Mallory and Michelle. We talked a bit and caught up. But catching up wasn't something I was doing well today. Having fun, yes. Catching up, no. Eventually, we finished. I let them get ahead of me so that they would have a chance at the drawing. Ain't I great?