Record Number of Participants Run Prince William Turkey Trot

MANASSAS, VA — Nearly 2,000 runners were served a large helping of strong winds at the 6th annual Prince William Turkey Trot 5k and Mashed Potato Mile in Manassas on Nov. 28. The morning weather allowed the participants to run like the wind when they enjoyed a tailwind but forced them to push through strong gusts when running against the wind.

Jacob Willis, a 21-year-old from Manassas, was the top overall finisher in the 5k with an amazing time — considering the weather conditions — of 15 minutes, 48 second. Second overall place went to 18-year-old Sam Llaneza of Bristow with an excellent time of 16:47. On Llaneza’s heels for third-place overall was Zachary Nowak, a 19-year-old from Manassas, with a time of 16:55.

The top woman 5k finisher was 21-year-old Michelle Miller of Gainesville with a sub-20-minute time of 19:19. Second place in the women's division went to Aga Heller, a speedy 43-year-old from Warrenton who also broke 20 minutes with a time of 19:54. Long-time Washington, D.C. area elite runner Alisa Harvey, a 54-year-old from Manassas, finished third with an amazing time of 20:20.

Race organizers said the turnout was the largest in the six years of the race. Both the 5k and the Mashed Potato Mile started in the parking lot of Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center on Freedom Center Blvd. in Manassas.

After the race, participants gathered inside the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center to receive a complimentary donut from Duck Donuts. Other race sponsors included Pediatric Dentistry, The Running Store and Tropical Smoothie Cafe.