From NYC to Southwood, from marathons to Turkey Trots, runners return to the streets

The streets of New York City's five boroughs to Esplanade Way in Southwood couldn't be any different.

Yet the roads are very similar, too.

After a year of virtual racing - from marathons to mile runs - in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, runners in 2021 are again filling once emptied streets.

Tyler Treese, who competed in the 50th New York City Marathon earlier this month, is among the 4,000-plus registered entrants for Tallahassee's Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning Thursday.

"I love the Trot," said Treese, who last ran the race in 2018.

The Turkey Trot consists of four races - 1 mile, 5K (3.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles) and 15K (9.3 miles). All start on Esplanade Way between Merchants Row and Shumard Oak. The mile run starts at 8 a.m.; the other three races at 8:30 a.m.

For Treese, 28, the Turkey Trot will be a change of pace - literally.

He was among the 30,000 runners that made their way through New York City's five boroughs in the 50th New York City Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 7. Treese covered the 26.2-mile route in 3:36:04, best among Tallahassee's seven entrants.

Previously: Pandemic can't slow 2020 Turkey Trot; Traditional race goes virtual for runners, families

Treese described how the large crowds cheered, hollered and welcomed runners on the sunny, 55-degree morning. The marathon started in Staten Island, worked its way through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx and finished in Central Park. His wife Laura attended to offer support and encouragement.

Treese enjoyed the experience for numerous reasons:

The event is the second oldest of the world's marathon majors. It was Treese's first marathon. And he helped raise money for cancer research.

"The first 20 miles were epic, amazing and I loved every second," said Treese, who works for the Florida Behavioral Health Association.

Treese, a 2018 graduate of Florida State, laughed and explained the stretch run wasn't as epic and amazing.

Treese was physically and mentally challenged, referring to the "wall" runners must contend with when they are fatigued and experience a loss of energy. Treese had that feeling in February, when he and friends from church ran 13.1 miles at J.R. Alford Greenway. Treese also tripped at mile 11, cramped at mile 12 but still ended with a decent time.

"Your body tells you your tired and your mind tells you to stop," said Treese, who played basketball and ran track (800 meters) in high school in Ohio and admitted he was never fond of long-distance running - but now enjoys it.

"I hit a similar wall (in New York) but I accepted it," he said. "I had never run this far before. I knew I needed to temper my expectations. ... but it was a beautiful challenge trying to overcome when things aren't going your way."

Treese remained focused, drew inspiration from the moment and finished.

As did Caroline Hunter.

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The former Maclay athlete, 34, finished her third New York City Marathon in 5:14:25.

"As always, the city did not disappoint," Hunter said. "The city is out cheering for the entire 26.2 miles. The energy is so contagious. Growing up, team sports was everything. Even though running is an individual sport, it still takes a village to train and accomplish those miles.

"I am grateful to be able to run and train for such an accomplishment."

The return of Thanksgiving morning's Turkey Trot for the 47th year can be viewed as an accomplishment, too.

Last year's event featured 1,564 virtual participants. More than $18,000 was donated to help the race beneficiaries - Refuge House, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend, and The Kearney Center.

"We have been so pleased with the turnout for this year’s Turkey Trot," said co-race director Mary Jean Yon.

"When we started our planning back in August, COVID numbers were at an all-time high and we really thought that would keep people away on Thanksgiving morning. To our delight, we are now approaching 4,000 participants and still growing.

"We can’t help but believe that people missed the race last year and they seem super excited to be back."

New York City Marathon

Tallahassee finishers

Tyler Treese: 3:36:04

Jason Knight: 4:29:57

Erin Meisenzahl-Peace: 4:48:06

Worth Corn: 4:56:56

Caroline Hunter: 5:14:25

Dean Coukoulis: 6:31:15

Claire Duchemin: 6:38:00

- Compiled from New York Road Runners web site.

Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: From NYC to Southwood runners return for annual Tallahassee Turkey Trot