By Jon Johnson
PIMA – The streets of Pima buzzed with energy under a crisp autumn sky on Thanksgiving morning as families, fitness enthusiasts, and first-timers laced up for the 20th Annual Pima Turkey Trot. Shattering previous attendance records, the event welcomed a staggering 1,025 registered runners, eclipsing the 1,001 who turned out for the 16th in 2021. This milestone gathering not only marked two decades of the beloved tradition but also underscored the growing appeal of this family-friendly fundraiser in Arizona’s Gila Valley.
What began as a casual neighborhood jog in 2006 has blossomed into Graham County’s largest 5K race, thanks to the vision of co-directors Melinda Nelson and Cody Marshall. The duo launched the Trot as a lighthearted way to “earn” that extra slice of pie, but it quickly evolved into a cornerstone of community wellness. Over the years, the event has raised more than $146,406 for Pima Schools, funding everything from new soccer goals and athletic gear to classroom emergency supplies, cross-country uniforms, and stadium seating at the school’s new football field. This year’s proceeds promise to continue that legacy, supporting physical education programs that keep local youth active and engaged.
“It’s super exciting to get to 20 years, and it was actually our biggest year yet, which was super fun,” Nelson said.
The festivities kicked off at the Pima Vard Lines Roping Arena with the 1-Mile Fun Run at 8 a.m., a gentle loop ideal for beginners, strollers, and little ones eager to burn off some pre-feast excitement. Parents pushed joggers while kids in turkey hats dashed alongside, creating a scene straight out of a holiday postcard. By 8:45 a.m., the main event took flight, sending waves of runners along a scenic, flat course that winds through Pima’s quiet neighborhoods and offers sweeping views of the Gila Valley under the morning sun.
“It was a really great weather day,” Nelson said. “Beautiful weather, lots of fun families, so much fun energy, and we love how the community comes out and participates. We are so thankful for all of our sponsors that really make it possible so that we can keep registration costs low and that we can have funds to donate to different things at the Pima school.”
Competitive spirits were high, with $50 cash prizes on the line for the overall male and female winners, and a coveted turkey trophy awarded to the family boasting the most registered participants.
Scottsdale native and now 5-time Pima Turkey Trot Champion Jonathan Barney, 21, took home the overall title in a time of 16:09. Barney was paced initially by Connor King of Chandler, but about halfway through the course, Barney hit the afterburners and left the competition in his wake.
King finished second in 16:36, followed by Samuel Peters, 23, of Peridot in third at 16:39, and Wesley Pena, 23, of Safford, finished fourth in 16:48.
For the women, four-time champion Meghan Barney, 24, of Scottsdale, reigned supreme in a time of 19:58 for first overall female and 20th overall. Her sister, Rachel Barney, 20, of Scottsdale, took second at 20:20, third place went to Sadie Skinner, 28, of Dripping Springs, Texas, in 21:04, and Natalie Waite, 47, of Thatcher, finished fourth in 21:08. Click here to see all the results from the Pima Turkey Trot.
Beyond the races, the Trot fostered the kind of intergenerational bonding that defines Thanksgiving in Pima. Grandparents cheered from the sidelines, siblings raced side by side, and out-of-town relatives joined the fold, turning the event into a multigenerational reunion. From humble beginnings with a handful of locals to this year’s record turnout, the Pima Turkey Trot has not only promoted health and charity but also woven itself into the tapestry of Gila Valley life. It’s no wonder the event continues to gobble up participants year after year.
For complete results, photos, and more, visit www.pimaturkeytrot.com. Happy (belated) Thanksgiving, Pima. Here’s to many more laps around the roping arena.
“It’s such a fun tradition,” Nelson said. “I love to see that other people love it besides just me.”
View more photos from the Gila Herald on our Photo Album here.
