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2002 Race Results The Historic Thanksgiving Morning Race since 1907 in scenic New Orleans City Park
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Established in 1907, The New Orleans Athletic Club "Turkey Day Race" is one of the oldest and continuously held non-marathon races in the United States. Since 1986, the race proceeds have benefited charities in our local community.
Since 1907, the Turkey Day Race has established a rich tradition and heritage among runners throughout the South. |
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| 95th Annual Turkey Day Race on November 28, 2002 |
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1st Place: Brendan Minihan,
Jr. 25:41 |
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Teachers Take the 95th Annual Turkey Day Race |
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It was a chilly Thanksgiving morning for the running of the 95th Annual Turkey Day Race. A total of 1,203 participants, 788 men and 415 women faced the starting gun at 9:00 A.M. on Marconi Drive for the traditional 5 mile race. The shade from oak lined streets in New Orleans City Park made the 45-degree temperature uncomfortable but compared to last year, only about 130 participants stayed home by the fire.
The temperatures were low and so were the runners’ times. Brendan Minihan Jr. was the first male to cross the finish line at 25:41. In 2001, Brendan place 2nd overall at 25:55 and in 2000 he placed 1st overall at 25:05. Brendan is a 6th grade English teacher and Cross Country Track Coach at Metairie Park Country Day School. Brendan attended Newman High School where he ran track and cross country. He went on to become an elite runner at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee and returned to New Orleans to teach the next generation. Brendan grew up running with his father, Brendan Minihan Sr. who has been running the Turkey Day Race since the 1960’s and this year placed 1st in his 55-59 age group with a fast time of 30:26
Amanda Yeates was the first woman to cross the finish line with a time of 29:58. Amanda is a University of New Orleans English professor.
Tradition and commitment best describes the Turkey Day Race. This year, Mr. Albert Briede completed his 44th consecutive Turkey Day Race. In the February 1986 issue of RUNNER'S WORLD, an article entitled "You Should Be Committed,” covered the 78th Annual Turkey Day Race and featured Mr. Briede as one of New Orleans famous runners.
The NOAC member male awards went to first place winner Kevin Kane with a time of 31:30 and second to Larry Centola at 40:48. The NOAC women were strong competitors. Erin Nolan was the first NOAC woman to cross the finish line and she won 1st place in her age group, the competitive 15 –19 year old category at 34:26. The 2nd place NOAC woman was Kathleen Welch who ran only 1 second behind Erin. Kathleen also won the 1st Master Award with an impressive time of 34:27.
The winners of the NOAC 95th Annual Turkey Day Race were all those who made the distance, and the charities who ultimately benefit from the energy of all those involved. Each year the race helps those in our community in need and your support is greatly appreciated.
Ron Schulingkamp Race Director
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