December 2, 2024 By Alyson Anderson, Photos by Julian Lloyd
The 2024 Hingham Turkey Trot, one of the largest in Massachusetts, drew over 2,100 runners this year. The race is run by the Hingham Track Boosters with Race Director, Caitlin Gibson, managing the Turkey Trot to a resounding success. Proceeds go to support the Hingham Indoor and Outdoor Track Teams, Cross Country Teams and the Hingham Youth Track programs. The headline sponsor was The Run House who supplied the t-shirts and running gear.
The beloved annual tradition, now in its 26th year, is fun for all age groups and prizes fare given for the top three finishers. The race brings the community together for this scenic 5K race through Wompatuck State Parkl and also inspires future runners with former teammates who come back year after year. This year featured Ivan Franz, Pete Ross and Mike Durkin from the 2015 XC D3 State Championship team along with Conrad Davis, Captain of the US Naval Academy Marathon Team, UMass Amherst Track Captain, Sean McKay, Brendan Burm and Sam Benham, members of the Trinity College Track Team, and many Hingham Track graduates such as Kaylee Hill, Mauve Lowther, Ellie McKay, Kyle Sutton, Kevin Ierardi, Luke Anderson, Michael Hill and more.
Former Hingham High runner, Mike Durkin, (Class of 2016) wearing the number 1, once again stole the show, crossing the finish line in first place as the overall winner with a time of 15:17. After the race, Mike said,” This is one of my favorite races of the year. I love participating in the Turkey Trot for my old team while reconnecting with my old teammates, coaches and the community. Running though Wompatuck brings back great memories. Hingham has a great running community and I feel lucky to be a part of it. I’ll be back next year.”
Kate Harrison of Denver Colorado was the first-place female finisher with a time of 17:49 placing her in the top 20 overall for the race and first in the female open category. Kate was followed by Edin Sisson (2nd) of Jamaica Plain 19:01 and Katherine Murray (3rd) age 14 of Norwell 19:21 to round out the Female open division.
The Turkey Trot isn’t just about competition, though—runners in turkey costumes, cheering spectators, and post-race refreshments add to the festive atmosphere. Many parents of graduates return each year to help out as well as members of the community. Visiting families and friends get together each year to run or walk. The Turkey Trot starts the Thanksgiving Holiday with a positive experience for runners and volunteers alike.
Many of the younger runners in the Turkey Trot participated in the Hingham Youth Track program (grades 6,7 & 8) over the last few years. Head Boys XC and Track Coach, Fred Jewett said, “This race is a great opportunity for the youth kids to show their skills. The results page with age categories features many of them. They enthusiastically can’t wait to get to the ninth grade to start their high school XC and Track careers. The high school track athletes and graduates are great role models for the young runners by helping them grow into top notch student athletes.” The Youth program features members of the high school XC and Track teams volunteering and teaching young runners proper technique, running form, teamwork and mutual respect. The Head XC Youth Coach is Tom O’Hanley and the Outdoor Head Coach is Chris McDowell, both Varsity Track Coaches and Hingham Graduates. Each Youth season ends with an official timed meet where all the runners are timed with their results posted on Athletic.net, followed by a pizza party. This fall some Youth Participants ran the Turkey Trot course during practice to get ready for the race.
The Hingham Varsity Cross Country teams just finished up an amazing season with the Boys 5-0 winning the Patriot League Title and finishing 12th at the MIAA D1C Championship. The Girls finished 10th at the D1C with Captain Clare Lowther qualifying for the All-State Championship where she dropped over 40 seconds off her time from last year. Many of these athletes happily volunteered and helped make the Turkey Trot a success.
The Winter Track season starts on Monday, December 2nd at 2:45 in the Cafeteria. Any high school student interested in joining the team should sign up on Aspen or contact the Athletic Department. Many students from fall sports teams join the track team to work on speed and continue competing in the off-season. All are welcome and there are no cuts.
Another amazing Turkey Trot is in the books. The Track Boosters would like to thank all who volunteered and ran or walked in the Race. They look forward to even more participation next year.
Race Results are available:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/136763?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2sNfQVvhXeiayF1v9fMz-R5GUCP1Jq36rCOdCRC_jxjkAZ_mHHFXflVvo_aem_RN4iwzFYDF-Obigyw8MSyg#resultSetId-506003;perpage:100