Naval Station Everett personnel met at the Fitness and Aquatic Center for the annual “Turkey Trot” fun run, Nov. 18.

“We have four major fun runs a year,” said Julia Krassin, fitness coordinator. “Typically we have t-shirts, but today we are giving out 70, 16 pound turkeys. This is going to be a new kind of pay-it-forward turkey exchange today.”

Registration for the event started at 10:45 a.m. and lasted until it was time to start the race. By 11:15 a.m., a crowd had gathered around the Santa Claus and Turkey Mascots at the starting line.

As soon as NAVSTA Everett road guards were posted to supervise traffic and mark the course, Capt. Thomas Mascolo, NAVSTA Everett commanding officer fired a pistol signaling the start of the race. Participants ran, jogged, walked or rode either one-mile or five-kilometer competition.

“I’m thrilled about the race today” said Engineering Aide 2nd Class (SCW) Joseph Alfano, Navy Pacific Northwest Public Works. “It’s good to get people out the office and get people moving around.”

Various commands, families and groups ran the course. Several Seabees from Public Works ran together carrying a Seabee flag across the finish line.

The winner of the 5k run was Lt. Jonathan McComb, Afloat Training Group Northwest. McComb, who is currently training for the Ironman New Zealand race completed the course with a run time of 18 minutes, 5 seconds.

“I think it’s important to let the general populous of Sailors see there is more to fitness than having to do it,” said McComb. “They can go out and have fun. Fitness is a way of life.”

First place female runner was Lt.j.g. Darchelle Lo, USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60), who completed the 5k run in 21.2.

“I run a lot,” said Lo. “I especially like the idea of getting a turkey.”

Prizes for the event included trophies and ribbons for the fastest runners as well as turkeys for all who participated in the race.