Oceanside, CA (Nov. 24, 2011) - A record number of runners, more than 8,000, came out to downtown Oceanside today for the 6th annual Pacific Marine Credit Union Oceanside Turkey on a day capped by the setting of five individual race records.

For many, the race has become an annual family tradition. For some, it is an opportunity to achieve their personal best. For others, it was a chance to honor friends and family. No matter the motivation, the combination of overcast skies, cool weather and flat course made for an ideal running day for all.

Spirited and record-setting competition was the order of the day at the front of the O'side Turkey Trot's two open races - the 5 Miler and 5K, as well as five races for children 12 and under.

David Edwards, 24 of San Diego, won the 5K by holding off five-time event champion Tom Kloos of Oceanside. But Edwards had to set a course record to do it. His winning time of 14:37 broke the former course mark of 14:53 set in 2010 by Kari Karlsson. Edwards finished 9 seconds ahead of Kloos, who won the Oceanside locals competition and shattered the local's record of 15:56.

For the women 5Kers, Madeline Kramer, 24, also set a race record, finishing 18 seconds ahead of fellow Carlsbad resident Lindsey Drake. Kramer's winning time was 17:02, a 5:28 mile pace.

In the 5 Mile Run, Oceanside's Okwaro Raura, 36, was an easy winner in 25:27, a 5:05 mile pace and yet another race record. Raura finished 13 seconds ahead of runner-up Mario Mendoza, 25, of Cambria.

For the women, Claire Rethmeier, 25, of Escondido, won easily in 28:49, a 5:45 per mile pace and the fifth course record.

The 8,000 runners easily exceeded past records here, and the crowd was teeming with an array of Thanksgiving-themed costumes, infusing the race with the holiday spirit.

The race also had a serious and helpful side. More than $30,000 was raised for local schools and charities, another record for the event.

Among the notable beneficiaries was the Austin Bice Memorial Scholarship Fund. Bice, a former Torrey Pines High School and San Diego State football player, as well as a triathlete, had competed in the O'side Turkey Trot for five years. After the exchange student was found drowned in Spain last March, his friends took up his cause. More than 220 ran in his memory for Team Austin Bice. It was the largest team in this year's event by far. And, hundreds also selected his memorial fund as their race beneficiary, raising a significant amount for the fund.

Please check back to this website for final team competition and charity figures, as well as updates to the premilinary results, which are posted on the Results Page.

> Relive the fun of race day with the 2011 video
> 2011 photos available for viewing from Brightroom
> Check final team results and school/charity figures
> See 2011 results Results Page | Costume winners
> See video of Fox5's Heather Ford and Team Austin Bice
> Please "refresh" your browser if you see old pages

Entries open for 2012 Pacific Marine Credit Union O'side Turkey Trot!
Enter today - 7th annual race is scheduled Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22

The Move Your Feet Before Your Eat holiday tradition continues in Oceanside. Last year, 8,000 runners and walkers got their holiday off to a fast start at this fun, community event. Link to and complete our secure 2012 entry form to be a part of the fun this year. Get discounts with multiple entries, support local schools/charities, order souvenirs and more.