Alfredo Mazzuca earned his second victory in the New Paltz Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.
Turkey Trots are common community traditions on Thanksgiving all across the country. The New Paltz Turkey Trot is organized by the Family of New Paltz Foundation, and this year was their 16th annual race.

Mazzuca, 24, came in with the best time of the day, finishing the 5K in 17:09. Not far behind was Timothy Brown, 26, who finished in 17:18 and Joseph Ayala, 17, finishing in 17:19.

Mazzuca is quite familiar with the race, winning back in 2016 and has participated in it since he was 13.

“I’ve been doing it almost every year,” Mazzuca said. “I enjoy running with my friends and family; this is a great way to bring the community together. Running with my friends and family motivates me to win.”
Another notable finish was Jake Crapo, 14, who finished 7th overall in 18:39.

Sima Vazquez, 22, was the first female to cross the finish line, in 20:30. Michelle Chewens, 30, was the second female, finishing in 20:34. Catherine Herne was the third female to finish, crossing in 21:28.

Almost as impressive at winning the race were those in the 70 and over division. Dennis Moore, 72, finished in 24:48. Norman Goluskin, 81, finished in 27:56 and Roger Robinson, 80, finished in 28:07.

“It was a fantastic community effort. A lot of serious runners out there. A lot of people who didn’t take it seriously at all,” said Garvan McCloskey, drawing some laughs from the crowd before announcing the awards.

The Family of New Paltz Foundation is a walk-in crisis center, helping families and indivuals in need of food, clothing and much more significant issues. This year’s race was held in honor of Kathy Cartagena, the former Program Director of Family of New Paltz. She retired in May 2016 and passed away earlier this year.

“Can’t say enough about Family of New Paltz,” said McCloskey. “You know, they need us more than ever this year. The funding for their food pantry program got cut by around 50 percent from Albany, so if you’re in the mood for end-of-year giving, you may keep Family of New Paltz in your hearts.”

Official results are at newpaltzturkeytrot.itsyourrace.com