Kirubel Erassa Wins Atalanta Thanksgiving Day 5K In 14:30

Press Release
November 26, 2015

ATLANTA – Approximately 12,000 runners and walkers earned their turkey at the Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon events. The Half Marathon, 5K, One Mile and 50m Dash all started and finished at Turner Field.

The winners of the Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon have a history of success on the course. Geraint Davis of Suwanee, who was last year’s second-place finisher, won with a time of 1:10:54. Jill Braley of Rome broke the tape for the women in1:18:47. She was also the female champion in 2013.

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In the Thanksgiving Day 5K, Kirubel Erassa, who earlier this month moved back to Georgia to join Atlanta Track Club Elite, crossed the finish line first in 14:30. On the women’s side, it was a close finish for the top three ladies, who are also on the Club’s elite team. Lauren Sara of Mableton surged ahead for the victory with a time of 17:05. Janel Blancett and Christy Cazzola finished in 17:10 and 17:11 respectively.

“Sunny skies and cool temperatures gave the participants of the Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon events even more to be thankful for this year,” said Rich Kenah, Atlanta Track Club’s executive director. “This event is a holiday tradition for the entire family. From the half marathon distance to the 50m dash, our staff and volunteers were delighted to see runners and walkers of all ages celebrating health and fitness.”

The Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon events also provided a way for participants to give to the homeless. Atlanta Track Club encouraged participants to bring gently used clothing and shoes to the start line or race number pickup with a goal of collecting one ton of clothing. All items were donated to Atlanta Mission. Additionally, Atlanta Track Club donated half of all proceeds from Will Call race number pick-up to Atlanta Mission.

Complete results for the Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon & 5K are posted at atlantatrackclub.org.

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