OCEANSIDE, Calif. — What better way to kick off Thanksgiving Day than with a 5K run or walk?
In this Zevely Zone, I met the king of the O'Side Turkey Trot. It's not too often in life you meet a ten-time defending champ. Every Thanksgiving runners and walkers get up early for the O'side Turkey Trot. "I really didn't think I could ever make a 5K," said 80-year-old Michael L'Annunziata.
He started shaking his tail feathers at the O'Side Turkey Trot after suffering a health scare. "Prostate cancer," said Michael. In 2005 Michael ran his first Turkey Trot. "I couldn't believe it but in the first race I got third place," said Michael about his age division. The next year? "I got to second place," said Michael. And the next? "For two or three years I couldn't get out of second place," said Michael.
"He is very competitive," said Michael's wife, Maria.
The couple started training every day with matching shoes, sweatpants and shirts. "We try to do everything together," said Michael. Then in 2008, guess what happened? "First place," said Michael. The 5K victories started piling up higher than the helpings of food on your Thanksgiving Day turkey plate.
Michael is the ten-time defending champion and this year he's turning 80.
Although many people dress up for the fun run, Maria and Michael do not. "No, you can't wear a costume and win," said Michael. Michael's written 12 books on Radioactivity which is fitting for the man who keeps on winning and never runs out of energy. "Like Michael Phelps," laughed Michael.
A favorite annual tradition in O'side, the Turkey Trot welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Recognized as one of the Top Trots in the country by Runner's World Magazine and the Los Angeles Times, the trot attracts visitors from 46 States and 460 cities and benefits the Move Your Feet Before You Eat!® foundation.
Free digital photos, medals, shirts, and live results to all registered participants. The event has raised over $470,000 for non-profits that serve O'side residents. The scenic beachside course starts on Coast Highway and ends behind the amphitheater on the strand in Oceanside and features 5K or 5 miles of fast and flat stretches, water views and ocean breezes. For more information click here.