Race director Brian Hagerty, welcomed over 2600 turkey-themed runners, walkers, dogs and baby strollers to the 16th annual, 2023 version of the fabulous Up North Media Turkey Trot 5K and 5 mile runs.
The races started and finished at the St Francis High School Gym at 123 E. Eleventh St in Traverse City. The website says; Join us this year for the 16th Annual Up North Media Traverse City Turkey Trot presented by 4Front Credit Union! This race has been a place of joy, family, friends (furry ones too), and a place where memories and traditions are made. The UpNorth Media Traverse City Turkey Trot team does its best to treat the course before race day. However, due to the unpredictable November Northern Michigan weather, all runners participated at their own risk.
Our three-time grand-prize “winner”, Pam Roach, from Pentwater. Congratulations Pam to survive melanoma not once but twice. Your doctors gave you a 15% chance of survival. But the doctors were not aware of your devotion to good exercise.
Presenting sponsor is 4Front Credit Union. Supporting Sponsors are Sam’s Club, Ford Insurance Agency and Sheren Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Thank you to: Grand Traverse Ophthalmology Clinic, Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches and Z93 Hits. Donations provided to: Tart Trails & The Festival Foundation including the National Cherry Festival and The Iceman Cometh.
5K Run/Walk: Adults and children were welcome to join in on the fun, strollers and dogs on non-retractable leashes are allowed. Children under 3 in a stroller are free. 5 Mile Flier: “Fly” around Traverse City; in this 5 Mile Run as part of the Up North Media Turkey Trot. Participant Tracking; Participants received text or email alerts as participants crossed timing equipment along the course. Tracking alerts were based upon the participant’s bib/chip. Participants did not need to carry their phone. Timing Services were provided by Jeff Peterson of Classic Race Management from Grand Rapids. Results are found at the following link: Up North Media 2023 Turkey Trot Results . Photos are found at this link: Photos, 2023 Turkey Trot
Monetary donations are welcome and appreciated. Donations could be made online or at the race. We invite you to join us as sponsors of a unique sports marketing opportunity. This is a great brand-building event that will prominently feature your products and/or services to hundreds of race-day participants and thousands of Michiganders. Your company will be promoted as part of an extensive media and marketing campaign through radio remotes and advertisements, web and online marketing, print exposure, and aggressive marketing from a team of fans and race enthusiasts. The previous year’s races drew thousands of participants and many sponsors including local radio stations, physician groups and many more. This event has become a Northern Michigan tradition. Race proceeds are shared with the many groups supporting the race with volunteer assistance.
All registered participants received a 2023 Turkey Trot Tee shirt, race bib, professional timing, entertainment and post-race refreshments. Overall male and female winners and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place age group winners win medals. Dogs are welcome if your dog is well-socialized to people, groups of people and other dogs. (All dogs must be leashed in accordance with city ordinance.)
No race can exist without dedicated volunteers. The races utilized Course Marshals, Registration Table, Greeters, Set-up & tear-down group, T-shirts Group and Water Stations. Participant Tracking, Race-Timed Split & Finish Alerts were available. Ben Greenman, portrayed Butterball, the Thanksgiving turkey. He wore the Butterball costume and posed for photos with runners. Some other volunteers I spoke with are: Bill Fitch of Grand Traverse Enrichment, who passed out free bags from 4front Credit Union and Chris Franks, also of Grand Traverse Enrichment and also of Significant Strikes who passed out free goodies. Chris is a former professional fighter and MMA participant. He is currently owner of Significant Strikes, teaching MMA and boxing and other forms of self-defense in a safe environment by promoting healthy lifestyles. Chris’ son, Zach Brayton, who recently won a US and World title, is a youth pastor and is currently 9-0. Jamie DuPont, 38, ran the 5K and helped give out premiums including dried cherries and Grand Traverse Ophthalmology back packs. Registration was competently handled by many folks including Denise Carson. The race started with the beautiful rendition singing the National Anthem. Honorae Shore and Zahirah Gutzka, of the West Senior High Honor Society, passed out age group medals
Now we meet some of the runners. I could not speak to every runner but following are some runners and walkers I talked with. Many of these runners are “winners” of the race, not necessarily, because they are the fastest runners, but because they are “winners” of the game, we call “life”. They have beaten some of life’s challenges. Running and exercise are an important aspect of living a good life. We learn one of the important reasons for races such as The Turkey Trot, is being a better person and surviving life’s challenges.
For example, our first “winner” is a most amazing runner and walker, Pam Roach, age 74, of Pentwater. Pam says; “I had the pleasure of talking to Pam at the 2018 turkey trot. Pam says; ”I’m a two time melanoma SURVIVOR. I hope that my story offers hope and motivation to others- whatever their journey may be! I have found that walks and exercise are beneficial both physically and mentally. It’s a simple way to stay active, clear your mind AND enjoy life! I honestly couldn’t have ‘done’ this journey of mine without FABULOUS role models: my dad- prostate cancer in 1989, my husband- non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1993 (and a major stroke in 2015) and my mom- breast cancer in 1993.”
Pam says; “My motto for each and every day is: Make me a blessing to someone today. – simple and doable by all. Just pay it forward- my parents taught me this as a child. Last but not least: Make sure that you laugh everyday!!! I had one bad sunburn in 1968 and by 1970 I had melanoma surgery and I was told (as a teenager) by the surgeon: Done- now go live your life. Period- so I did- college, marriage and 2 great kids. Fast forward to 1999 and I was 50. I found a tiny, tiny lump way up in my armpit- not a mole!! I was sure it was breast cancer. Went to the surgeon- biopsy and he called me. “Pam, I am sorry that it is NOT breast cancer.” I said: “ what- you’re sorry?”. He said: “yes, you have metastatic melanoma, stage lll”. I made an appointment with my husband’s oncologist (and we shared this wonderful man). I had major surgery and the oncologist said: “ Pam, you have aggressive metastatic melanoma and have a 15% chance of living a year”. Well I looked at him and said that I had lots to do yet,- kids in college, weddings and hopefully grandchildren. Game plan: 30 days of chemo everyday then a year of chemo 3x a week. Tough he said (even if you are a Marine- which I wasn’t!!!!!). He also said that he would search for a clinical trial. He found one and I said YES!! I was part of a 6-year clinical trial out of Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit. Luckily I had most treatments in Grand Rapids and it WORKED!!!!”
“I have 2 new knees, a new hip and shoulder and yes i continue to walk!! Life is good. My husband’s oncology nurse told me that HUMOR is the best- funny cards, jokes and not to be offended when the dear nurses made my husband laugh!!
UNDERSTATEMENT!! We all have a story or two to tell- I share mine so that just ONE person will benefit from my stupid mistake of getting ONE bad sunburn. Pam Roach.”
Pam, you are amazing proof of the value of exercise, races such as the Turkey Trot and good humor. Pam, you still look ‘normal’ like every fit runner. But the reality is you have won races against some of life’s most frightening challenges and you won. Thank you for participating in the 2023 Turkey Trot and sharing your amazing story. Congratulations on being a “winner” of the 2023 Turkey Trot.
Race director Brian Hagerty, welcomed over 2600 turkey-themed runners, walkers, dogs and baby strollers to the 16th annual, 2023 version of the fabulous Up North Media Turkey Trot 5K and 5 mile runs.
The races started and finished at the St Francis High School Gym at 123 E. Eleventh St in Traverse City. The website says; Join us this year for the 16th Annual Up North Media Traverse City Turkey Trot presented by 4Front Credit Union! This race has been a place of joy, family, friends (furry ones too), and a place where memories and traditions are made. The UpNorth Media Traverse City Turkey Trot team does its best to treat the course before race day. However, due to the unpredictable November Northern Michigan weather, all runners participated at their own risk.
Our three-time grand-prize “winner”, Pam Roach, from Pentwater. Congratulations Pam to survive melanoma not once but twice. Your doctors gave you a 15% chance of survival. But the doctors were not aware of your devotion to good exercise.
Presenting sponsor is 4Front Credit Union. Supporting Sponsors are Sam’s Club, Ford Insurance Agency and Sheren Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Thank you to: Grand Traverse Ophthalmology Clinic, Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches and Z93 Hits. Donations provided to: Tart Trails & The Festival Foundation including the National Cherry Festival and The Iceman Cometh.
5K Run/Walk: Adults and children were welcome to join in on the fun, strollers and dogs on non-retractable leashes are allowed. Children under 3 in a stroller are free. 5 Mile Flier: “Fly” around Traverse City; in this 5 Mile Run as part of the Up North Media Turkey Trot. Participant Tracking; Participants received text or email alerts as participants crossed timing equipment along the course. Tracking alerts were based upon the participant’s bib/chip. Participants did not need to carry their phone. Timing Services were provided by Jeff Peterson of Classic Race Management from Grand Rapids. Results are found at the following link: Up North Media 2023 Turkey Trot Results . Photos are found at this link: Photos, 2023 Turkey Trot
Monetary donations are welcome and appreciated. Donations could be made online or at the race. We invite you to join us as sponsors of a unique sports marketing opportunity. This is a great brand-building event that will prominently feature your products and/or services to hundreds of race-day participants and thousands of Michiganders. Your company will be promoted as part of an extensive media and marketing campaign through radio remotes and advertisements, web and online marketing, print exposure, and aggressive marketing from a team of fans and race enthusiasts. The previous year’s races drew thousands of participants and many sponsors including local radio stations, physician groups and many more. This event has become a Northern Michigan tradition. Race proceeds are shared with the many groups supporting the race with volunteer assistance.
All registered participants received a 2023 Turkey Trot Tee shirt, race bib, professional timing, entertainment and post-race refreshments. Overall male and female winners and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place age group winners win medals. Dogs are welcome if your dog is well-socialized to people, groups of people and other dogs. (All dogs must be leashed in accordance with city ordinance.)
No race can exist without dedicated volunteers. The races utilized Course Marshals, Registration Table, Greeters, Set-up & tear-down group, T-shirts Group and Water Stations. Participant Tracking, Race-Timed Split & Finish Alerts were available. Ben Greenman, portrayed Butterball, the Thanksgiving turkey. He wore the Butterball costume and posed for photos with runners. Some other volunteers I spoke with are: Bill Fitch of Grand Traverse Enrichment, who passed out free bags from 4front Credit Union and Chris Franks, also of Grand Traverse Enrichment and also of Significant Strikes who passed out free goodies. Chris is a former professional fighter and MMA participant. He is currently owner of Significant Strikes, teaching MMA and boxing and other forms of self-defense in a safe environment by promoting healthy lifestyles. Chris’ son, Zach Brayton, who recently won a US and World title, is a youth pastor and is currently 9-0. Jamie DuPont, 38, ran the 5K and helped give out premiums including dried cherries and Grand Traverse Ophthalmology back packs. Registration was competently handled by many folks including Denise Carson. The race started with the beautiful rendition singing the National Anthem. Honorae Shore and Zahirah Gutzka, of the West Senior High Honor Society, passed out age group medals
Now we meet some of the runners. I could not speak to every runner but following are some runners and walkers I talked with. Many of these runners are “winners” of the race, not necessarily, because they are the fastest runners, but because they are “winners” of the game, we call “life”. They have beaten some of life’s challenges. Running and exercise are an important aspect of living a good life. We learn one of the important reasons for races such as The Turkey Trot, is being a better person and surviving life’s challenges.
For example, our first “winner” is a most amazing runner and walker, Pam Roach, age 74, of Pentwater. Pam says; “I had the pleasure of talking to Pam at the 2018 turkey trot. Pam says; ”I’m a two time melanoma SURVIVOR. I hope that my story offers hope and motivation to others- whatever their journey may be! I have found that walks and exercise are beneficial both physically and mentally. It’s a simple way to stay active, clear your mind AND enjoy life! I honestly couldn’t have ‘done’ this journey of mine without FABULOUS role models: my dad- prostate cancer in 1989, my husband- non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1993 (and a major stroke in 2015) and my mom- breast cancer in 1993.”
Pam says; “My motto for each and every day is: Make me a blessing to someone today. – simple and doable by all. Just pay it forward- my parents taught me this as a child. Last but not least: Make sure that you laugh everyday!!! I had one bad sunburn in 1968 and by 1970 I had melanoma surgery and I was told (as a teenager) by the surgeon: Done- now go live your life. Period- so I did- college, marriage and 2 great kids. Fast forward to 1999 and I was 50. I found a tiny, tiny lump way up in my armpit- not a mole!! I was sure it was breast cancer. Went to the surgeon- biopsy and he called me. “Pam, I am sorry that it is NOT breast cancer.” I said: “ what- you’re sorry?”. He said: “yes, you have metastatic melanoma, stage lll”. I made an appointment with my husband’s oncologist (and we shared this wonderful man). I had major surgery and the oncologist said: “ Pam, you have aggressive metastatic melanoma and have a 15% chance of living a year”. Well I looked at him and said that I had lots to do yet,- kids in college, weddings and hopefully grandchildren. Game plan: 30 days of chemo everyday then a year of chemo 3x a week. Tough he said (even if you are a Marine- which I wasn’t!!!!!). He also said that he would search for a clinical trial. He found one and I said YES!! I was part of a 6-year clinical trial out of Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit. Luckily I had most treatments in Grand Rapids and it WORKED!!!!”
“I have 2 new knees, a new hip and shoulder and yes i continue to walk!! Life is good. My husband’s oncology nurse told me that HUMOR is the best- funny cards, jokes and not to be offended when the dear nurses made my husband laugh!!
UNDERSTATEMENT!! We all have a story or two to tell- I share mine so that just ONE person will benefit from my stupid mistake of getting ONE bad sunburn. Pam Roach.”
Pam, you are amazing proof of the value of exercise, races such as the Turkey Trot and good humor. Pam, you still look ‘normal’ like every fit runner. But the reality is you have won races against some of life’s most frightening challenges and you won. Thank you for participating in the 2023 Turkey Trot and sharing your amazing story. Congratulations on being a “winner” of the 2023 Turkey Trot.
More “winners” follow. You are all amazing runners with important lessons to share. Bruce, age 82, and Fay McHaney, age 72, of Hammond Bay, near Cheboygan, are amazing “winners” and official race greeters in their funny turkey outfits. Bruce beat me like a drum, and took first place in our 5 mile age group, 80-84. Bruce is a 75-pound loser and was an international champion racing dragon boats. (who knows what is a dragon boat besides Bruce and Fay?). Fay is a most incredible runner. Fay, winner of her age group, is a survivor of brain surgery 15 years ago. Fay uses running and other forms of exercise as part of her therapy. Congratulations and continued good health to the McHaneys. Jim Graham, age 74, of Suttons Bay, ran exceptionally well considering Jim is a survivor of a serious car accident, which resulted in broken ribs, deflated lungs, a stick protruding in his back and too much time in the hospital.
Larry Burke, age 40, from Kingsley is a 99 pound loser. He suffered a swollen stomach. Doctors thought the swelling might be cancer. Surgery found Larry was growing an extra pancreas near his stomach. After bariatric surgery and a carful eating plan called “macro-testing”. Larry looks like other fit runner, trim and lithe. What an inspiring story! Larry has completed a marathon. He is along-time member and supporter of Hope Water due to the encouragement of church friends. Hope Water installs water wells in Africa. A school bus driver and substitute teacher at Kingsley Schools, previously, Larry worked at Sara Lee and was a volunteer desert tester, which partly explains his weight gain. (I was a volunteer food tester at the Pillsbury factory. I know how easy it is to gain weight.) I had the pleasure to run several miles of the 5 mile race with Larry. We ran with Laura Flikkema, age 43, from Traverse City. Laura is a 6 year supporter of Hope Water. Eileen Rudzinski, age 70,of Traverse City and Detroit, ran much of the race with me and allowed me to “brag” about my running accomplishments and shortfalls.
Pat Kramer, age 70, of Traverse City, is a heart attack survivor and is dealing with sore legs. Pat uses running an important part of his therapy. Rhonda Workman, is a veteran, thank you for your service, Rhonda. She is former race director of the Mesick Mushroom Festival 5K. Don Wellman, age 76, from Ferndale, started running at age 40. Don uses exercise to help him stay sober. Don has been sober for 35 years. Congratulations, Don. Dell Clair, age 38 of Canton, won the GO BLUE award by wearing the U of M colors. Dell is a video producer at U of M where she “sits a lot” and needs exercise as a result of her job. She also has a dance studio. Busy, busy. Dave Christianson, age 80, was told by his doctors, after back surgery, to never run again. For 20 years, Dave has used a form of race walking to avoid back jarring. Two years ago, Dave entered his first 5K race. It is amazing he is so quick. Dave was a client of mine when I had a downtown Traverse City Food Equipment company. He worked for Crystal Mountain. Dave’s daughter, Sara, age 45, joined her dad in the race. Eric Miller age 41, is the nephew of a running buddy, Bill Swift. Eric ran with his son, Sage, age 15. The Millers are proponents of the theory; families who run together, have fun together.
Race director, Brian Hagerty, hopes you will join next year’s Up North Media Turkey Trot. Remember to consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Mickey Fivenson, your author, age 81, (a Traverse City native of Munson Hospital, class of ’42), lost over 100 pounds and has trained over 150,000 miles in more than 50 years of running. He completed 60 marathons (3:01 PR) and holds a marathon world record with his sons, Zack and Adam. Mickey is the former director of the National Cherry Festival Runs, ranked in the top 25 USA races. Mickey’s doctors credit running toward surviving several strokes. Mickey coordinates his Traverse City Central High School Class of ’60 reunion every 5 years (what fun). He is an ordained rabbi, an Advanced Scuba Diver and credits his running fitness and his scuba skills with surviving a fall through the ice in over 600’ of water in middle of West Grand Traverse Bay,,,,,, and saving his dog! A U of M graduate, like his kids, and former president of the Grand Traverse Area U of M club, (GO BLUE!!), he plays a mean blues harmonica globally and with area bands. He was awarded the Silver Beaver, scouting’s highest adult honor. His bride of 31 years, Dr. Sally Littleton, is a retired psychotherapist, provides private Reiki lessons and is a Tapping and Reiki instructor at Northwestern Michigan College and virtually on the web. If you would like Mickey to cover your race, if you need training tips, email mickey@telecomclassifiedads.com. Mickey Fivenson: MBA, Ph or Text 1-231-946-2195. Mickey finished the Up North Media Turkey Trot second in his age group, 80+
Race director, Brian Hagerty, hopes you will join next year’s Up North Media Turkey Trot. Remember to consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.Mickey Fivenson, your author, age 81, (a Traverse City native of Munson Hospital, class of ’42), lost over 100 pounds and has trained over 150,000 miles in more than 50 years of running. He completed 60 marathons (3:01 PR) and holds a marathon world record with his sons, Zack and Adam. Mickey is the former director of the National Cherry Festival Runs, ranked in the top 25 USA races. Mickey’s doctors credit running toward surviving several strokes. Mickey coordinates his Traverse City Central High School Class of ’60 reunion every 5 years (what fun). He is an ordained rabbi, an Advanced Scuba Diver and credits his running fitness and his scuba skills with surviving a fall through the ice in over 600’ of water in middle of West Grand Traverse Bay,,,,,, and saving his dog! A U of M graduate, like his kids, and former president of the Grand Traverse Area U of M club, (GO BLUE!!), he plays a mean blues harmonica globally and with area bands. He was awarded the Silver Beaver, scouting’s highest adult honor. His bride of 31 years, Dr. Sally Littleton, is a retired psychotherapist, provides private Reiki lessons and is a Tapping and Reiki instructor at Northwestern Michigan College and virtually on the web. If you would like Mickey to cover your race, if you need training tips, email mickey@telecomclassifiedads.com. Mickey Fivenson: MBA, Ph or Text 1-231-946-2195. Mickey finished the Up North Media Turkey Trot second in his age group, 80+
Traverse City Runner 