Huge Field, Fast Times at Naperville Turkey Trot

I haven't run the Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot 5K for several years, but I've run it and I can tell you it's a great race with a good course that is conducive to nice times. This year, the fuield was huge with 7,188 runners crossing the finish line. The top two broke 15 minutes, the next seven broke 16 minutes and the next eight broke 17 minutes! They were flying. The women's field was spectacular as well with the top three finishing within four seconds of each other. Leading the parade was Kyle Brady, 23, of Naperville, who won it in 14:53. That's 4:48 pace for you people keeping track of such things! Next came David McWilliams, 20, of Naperville, in 14:54. The seven who then came in under 16 minutes were: Mitch Gilbert, 19, of Naperville, in 15:01; Mike Spam, 22, of Naperville, in 15:05; Emisael Favela, 34, of Berwyn, in 15:10; Matt Field, 26, of Wheaton, also in 15:10; Ryan Giuliano 26, of Schaumburg, in 15:31; and Collin Fedor, 18, of Wheaton, in 15:35. Women's honors went to Jocelyn Petrella-Gall, 31, of Denver, CO, in 17:52. Second went to Amber Druien, 22, of Naperville, in17:55; and third was taken by Amanda Fox, 17, of Naperville, in 17:56. Fourth-place finisher Jacqui Aubert, 25, of Crystal Lake, also had a strong race with an 18:06. That is some running. The age-group results also are loaded with excellent performances on a great day to run and be thankful for what we can do when we put our minds to it!