Mieko wins in Turkey Trot return

 Mieko Carey had a successful return in the Mt. Tapochao Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Fun Run, while Keum Bae Ji scored a repeat in yesterday’s 4.2-mile race.

Ji completed the race from Lower Base to Mt. Tapochao in 39 minutes and 44 seconds to defend the men’s title, while Carey submitted 42:36 to take the women’s crown and finished sixth overall. Ji missed his 2010 time (39:22) by only 22 seconds. Carey’s time on the other hand was faster than the 42:55 of three-time champion Mamiko Oshima-Berger, who skipped this year’s race, as she is preparing for tougher event later this month.

“I missed the Turkey Trot for three years, so it was nice to be back and have a great race with a lot of people. There are many great youth runners this morning and I felt I have to train hard to keep up with them,” Carey said.

One of the young runners who blew away competitors in the U18 division and even the veterans of the island’s footrace was John Auther, who came in ahead of Carey, placing fourth overall with a time of 42:10. The 11-year-old runner topped the boys U12 division, beating nine others in his age group.

Completing the Top 3 in the boys U12 were Logan Mister (48:15) and Allen Stafford (56:28). In the girls division, Joshalyn Flores won with a time of 1:25:48.

Stuart Smith, who came in second overall with a time of 40:30 ruled the men’s 50-and-above division. Joining him in the Top 3 were Jeff Race (43:36) and Doug Hartig (48:23). In the women’s division, Juanita Fajardo came in at first place with a time of 1:10:04, followed by Lyn Tenorio (1:25:54) and Priscilla Tenorio (1:25:55).

Ronald Villafria placed third overall, but his 41:57 was good enough for first place in the open division, besting the 47:44 of Matthew Mancao and 55:01 of Jude Loste. Villafria led the race going up to Capital Hill before Ji passed him on the right turn to Mt. Tapochao road.

Noriko Jim was only a few meters away from Villafria and ended up first in the women’s open division and ninth overall with a time of 44:34.

Tom Linden came in fourth overall and topped the men’s 40 to 49 age group after clocking in at 42:11. Tyce Mister (46:12) and Tamio Nishikido (47:45) rounded out the Top 3. In the women’s division, Kim Young was ahead with her 53:49. She was the only competitor in her age group to complete the race under the one-hour mark, as runner-up Irma Halaby timed in at 1:08:55, and Carol Auther posted 1:10:02.

In the women’s 30 to 39 age group, Tina Goodwin recorded 1:05:36 to place first. Maggie Vicente (1:07:29) and Teresa Kim Tenorio (1:11:37). Brandon Wiley reigned supreme in the men’s 30 to 39 category with his 45:39. Mahesh Balakrishna (51:17) and Joe Villacrusis (55:51) completed the Top 3.

In the boys 13 to 17 age group, Michael Mancao (44:10), Angelo Jones (46:56), and Djaymarch Ong (51:22) made up the Top 3. Gabrielle Race (59:14) topped the girls division.

Yesterday’s race drew 114 runners and only a few did not finish, including 2009 winner Jack Kabiriel, who had another asthma attack.