Northwest Sailors Trot For Turkeys

WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. - More than 250 Sailors, Marines, civilians and their families gathered around the Northwest to compete in their installation's Captain's Cup Turkey Trot events.

Turkey Trots offered several courses ranging from an untimed one-mile walk to a 10 kilometer run, and participants had the opportunity to win a free turkey, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island kicked off the events Nov. 18 as 24 participants battled winds gusting up to 33 knots. Runners were able to choose between 1.5 mile, 5K and 10K courses.

"This wasn't my best time because the wind was killing me," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (FMF) Armando Montoya from Naval Hospital Oak Harbor, who won the 10K portion with a time of 46:40. "The wind was a challenge, but it's always good to challenge yourself."

Montoya added the races help him with his job. "It really helps to be in shape when you deploy with Marines, so that keeps me going."

Naval Station Everett held its race Nov. 20. Sixty-six runners and one larger-than-life turkey mascot competed in the 5K run while 16 walkers participated in the one-mile, untimed walk.

"Fitness is a way of life," said Lt. Mike McComb from Afloat Training Group Pacific Northwest, who won the Everett 5k with a time of 19:35. "I choose to live a healthy lifestyle." McComb is now training for the Ironman Triathlon in Cozumel, Mexico, Nov. 29.

Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 3rd Class Danielle Kirk from NAVSTA Everett completed the one-mile walk. "I'm seven-and-a-half months pregnant, and this is a great way to stay fit during my pregnancy."

More than 150 runners participated in Naval Base Kitsap Bangor's Turkey Trot Nov. 21. The run was broken into age categories: a 5K run for everyone and a one-mile run for children.

"I always try to participate with base events, and I enjoy running," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Gordan Sheek, Naval Base Kitsap security. "This gives a chance for families and friends to gather and do some type of exercise before the upcoming holidays."

More than 30 participants across the region walked away with free turkeys selected via random drawings at each event. One of the winners, Pfc. Ethan Storey, of Marine Aviation Training Support Group 53, said he will host a Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 25 for those in his barracks with his winnings.