Thousands turn out for Galloping Gobbler race

About 3600 people turned out Thanksgiving morning to run in the 19th largest 4 mile run in the nation.  The race started at 8:30 Thursday morning at St. Francis University.

The Galloping Gobbler has become Fort Wayne's new family tradition for Thanksgiving.  Runners made room for the turkey and trimmings by running the four mile Galloping Gobbler course or the new for 2012 longer course alternative - the 8 mile run.  The four miler started at 8:30 Thursday morning at the Hutzell Athletic Center on the campus of the University of Saint Francis.  Participants ran through Fort Wayne's historic Lindenwood Cemetery before finishing back at campus.

The 8 mile race started at 8:15 Thursday morning.  It started near the Towpath Trail off West Jefferson Street.  Participants, family and friends enjoyed music, a live turkey, and a costume turkey mascot.

The top results for the Galloping Gobbler were as follows:

Female Open Winners
1. Liane Falk, of Fort Walton Beach, 28 years old; Time: 25:03.2
2. Elizabeth Schloss, of Fort Wayne, 24 years old; Time: 25:10.1
3. Angi Wolgemuth, of Pittsburgh, 22 years old; Time: 25:11.7
Name Age Chip Time

Female Masters Winners
1. Terri Cassel, of Tulsa, 51 years old; Time: 26:19.6
2. Donna Wukasch, of Weston, 46 years old; Time: 26:41.2
3. Jeanne Courneene, of Sheboygan, 48 years old; Time: 28:15.8

Female Grand Masters Winners
1. Sheryle Braaten, of Fort Wayne, 52 years old; Time: 31:51.6

Male Open Winners
1. Hunter Paris, of Fort Collins, 28 years old; Time: 20:22.7
2. Brendon Moody, of Van Wert, 31 years old; Time: 20:38.1
3. Alex Cushman, of Ossian, 19 years old; Time: 20:46.7

Male Masters Winners
1. Mark Furkis, of Ligonier, 57 years old; Time: 23:45.1
2. Dr. Jeff Williams, of Zanesville, 48 years old; Time: 24:14.6
3. Chris Beck, of Fort Wayne, 45 years old; Time: 25:19.4

Male Grand Masters Winners
1. Andrew Pisanelli, of Ridgefield, 50 years old, 25:21.2