Turkey Trot Turns 40

The Turkey Trot turned 40 on Thanksgiving with a bang. The 2013 edition of the annual Thanksgiving race at Washington Park organized by the Mile High United Way was the biggest one yet.

Nearly 10,000 runners participated -- along with 300 volunteers -- helping raise $450,000 for initiatives focused on school readiness, youth success and adult self-sufficiency.

With a beer garden, pre-race entertainment and the first costume contest in Turkey Trot history, the event was dubbed a success by officials from  Mile High United Way  and presenting sponsor Bellco. Mile High United Way Director of Marketing & Communications calls the race "an amazing Denver family tradition."

The runners were a very diverse bunch -- and more than a few were dressed as birds. "The oldest runner was 90 years old," says Morris. "We had participants from 47 states, and all over the world -- including Australia, Colombia and Finland."

The aforementioned 90-year-old, Denver's Stesia Boisvenue, was among the race's finishers. Clocking in with the fastest time was the reigning Colorado cross-country champion, 17-year-old Cerake Geberkidane of Denver East High School, who finished the four-mile race in 19 minutes and 27 seconds.