D&I Fitness Annual Turkey Trot Brings 682 Runners Together in South Orange, NJ

Thanksgiving morning in South Orange, NJ, kicked off with a celebratory spirit as 682 runners laced up their sneakers for the D&I Fitness Annual Turkey Trot on November 27, 2025. This beloved community tradition brought together runners of all ages and abilities, proving once again that there's no better way to earn that turkey dinner than with a brisk morning run through one of New Jersey's most charming communities.

A Perfect Morning for Racing

The D&I Fitness Annual Turkey Trot has become a staple event for the South Orange community, and this year's edition did not disappoint. Runners gathered in the crisp autumn air, their breath visible in the morning chill as they prepared to tackle the course. The energy at the starting line was electric, with families, competitive runners, and fitness enthusiasts all sharing the same excitement for this annual tradition.

The nearly even split between male and female participants—350 men and 332 women—showcased the inclusive nature of this community event. Turkey trots have long been a Thanksgiving tradition across America, and South Orange's version continues to grow in popularity, bringing neighbors together before they head home to their holiday celebrations.

Elite Performance at the Front of the Pack

The race produced thrilling competition at the front, with Henry Moore claiming victory in an impressive time of 17:06.89. Moore's commanding performance set him apart from the field, demonstrating the level of talent that the D&I Fitness Annual Turkey Trot attracts each year.

The battle for second place provided one of the day's most dramatic moments. Tommy Walmsley secured the runner-up position with a time of 18:03.93, but Julius Marshall was right on his heels, crossing the finish line just one-hundredth of a second later at 18:03.94. This photo-finish moment exemplifies why professional race timing services are essential for competitive events—when margins are this razor-thin, accuracy matters.

These top three finishers all delivered outstanding performances, each breaking the 19-minute barrier and setting the tone for what was an exciting day of racing in South Orange, NJ.

Community Spirit on Full Display

While the front-runners battled for podium positions, the real story of the D&I Fitness Annual Turkey Trot was the incredible turnout and community participation. With 682 finishers crossing the timing mats, this event demonstrated the strong sense of community that South Orange is known for.

Turkey trots are special because they bring together serious competitors and casual participants alike. Whether runners were chasing personal records, running with family members, or simply working up an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner, everyone shared in the collective experience of being part of something bigger than themselves.

The age diversity at the event was particularly noteworthy, with multiple generations of families participating together. From young children running their first organized race to seasoned veterans who've made this an annual tradition, the D&I Fitness Annual Turkey Trot serves as a reminder of running's universal appeal.

The Importance of Professional Race Timing

Behind every successful race is a robust timing system that ensures accurate results for every participant. Tristate Timing was proud to provide professional race timing services for the D&I Fitness Annual Turkey Trot, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to capture precise finish times for all 682 participants.

Our timing system employs advanced chip technology that records each runner's exact crossing time at the finish line. This precision is crucial not only for competitive runners vying for awards but also for recreational participants who want to track their progress and compare their results to previous years.

The RunSignup results platform provides participants with immediate access to their official times, allowing runners to check their results, share their accomplishments on social media, and analyze their performance data. This seamless integration between professional race timing equipment and online results platforms enhances the participant experience and provides race directors with comprehensive data management.

Why Professional Timing Matters

The incredibly close finish between Tommy Walmsley and Julius Marshall—separated by just 0.01 seconds—perfectly illustrates why professional timing services are non-negotiable for modern races. Manual timing or less sophisticated systems simply cannot provide the accuracy needed to correctly award placements when margins are this tight.

Tristate Timing's professional race timing services include:

• Precision chip timing technology for accurate start-to-finish measurements
• Real-time results processing so participants can access their times immediately after finishing
• Comprehensive data management for race directors
• Professional timing staff with experience managing events of all sizes
• Backup systems to ensure no participant's finish goes unrecorded
• Integration with RunSignup results for easy participant access

For race directors, partnering with a professional timing company means one less thing to worry about on race day. Our experienced team handles all aspects of timing and results, allowing organizers to focus on creating the best possible experience for their participants.

Looking Ahead: Future Race Opportunities

The success of the D&I Fitness Annual Turkey Trot in South Orange, NJ, demonstrates the continued appetite for well-organized community running events. Whether you're a race director planning your next event or a runner looking for races to add to your calendar, Tristate Timing is here to support the running community.

For Race Directors

If you're planning a race and need reliable, professional race timing services, Tristate Timing has the experience and technology to make your event a success. From small community 5Ks to large-scale marathons, we provide customized timing solutions that fit your event's specific needs. Our integration with RunSignup results ensures your participants will have seamless access to their official times and race data.

For Runners

Stay tuned to RunSignup results and local race calendars for upcoming events in New Jersey and the surrounding tristate area. Whether you're chasing a PR, running for fitness, or looking to connect with your community, there's a race for you.

Celebrating the Running Community

The D&I Fitness Annual Turkey Trot exemplifies what makes running events special: the combination of athletic competition, community connection, and shared celebration. From Henry Moore's winning performance to the 682nd finisher crossing the line, every participant contributed to making this Thanksgiving morning memorable.

Thank you to all the runners who participated, the volunteers who made the event possible, and the D&I Fitness team for organizing another successful Turkey Trot. We at Tristate Timing are honored to have provided race timing services for this wonderful community event.

Ready to plan your next race? Contact Tristate Timing today to learn how our professional timing services can elevate your event and provide participants with the accurate, reliable results they deserve. Visit our website to explore our full range of timing solutions and discover why race directors throughout the tristate area trust us with their events.

Here's to many more miles and many more memorable races in South Orange, NJ, and beyond!