Brookline runner wins record setting Turkey Trot

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— Photo by Lynn Christoffers

Two hundred forty-four stout souls braved the wind and chill of Thanksgiving morning to run the Oak Bluffs 5K Turkey Trot road race, setting a new record for participation in the annual run.

The previous record was 235, set last year.

The race has drawn more and more runners each year since it started in 1996.

First to complete the run was 47 year-old Richard Strock of Brookline. He did it in 18:10.

Among the top ten finishers were two women. Lawrence Thompson, 23, of Oak Bluffs, who finished third at 19:40 and Rebecca Trachsel, 36, of Winchester, who was sixth in 20:21.

Rene Da Silva, 25, of Vineyard Haven, was second in 18:37. Mike Goldsmith, 49, of Vineyard Haven, was 4th in 20:00. Reaan Steenkamp, 44, of Vineyard Haven, came in 5th at 20:13.

The rest of the top ten were (7th) Ben Gebsch, 13, of Bethesda, Md., 20:28; (8) Zachary Via, 27, of Ester, Ark.; (9) Thomas Stackpole, 25, West Tisbury, 20:41 and (10) Michael Miller, 42, of Brooklyn, N.Y., 20:41. A tie.

As has become the custom, the race was a benefit for the Heat Assistance Program for the elderly. More than $2,000 was raised for the cause. Roger Wey was the masterly Master of Ceremonies.

Following the 5K, three runners joined Roger for a brief post-race swim.