Mountain Lakes Turkey Trot Sets Record Participation with Nearly 1,200 Runners on Thanksgiving Morning

The Mountain Lakes Turkey Trot Hosted by Lakeland Hills Family YMCA proved once again why it's one of northern New Jersey's most beloved Thanksgiving traditions, drawing an impressive 1,178 finishers to Mountain Lakes, NJ on November 27th, 2025. The event's continued growth and enthusiastic community participation showcase the perfect blend of competitive racing and family-friendly holiday celebration that keeps runners coming back year after year.

A Perfect Thanksgiving Morning for Racing

Runners gathered in the heart of Mountain Lakes NJ on Thanksgiving morning, creating an electric atmosphere that embodied the spirit of gratitude and community wellness. The turkey-themed tradition brought together serious competitors aiming for personal records, casual joggers working up an appetite for their holiday feast, and families making memories together before gathering around the dinner table.

The nearly even split between male and female participants—582 men and 596 women—demonstrated the race's broad appeal across all demographics. This balanced participation reflects the inclusive nature of the event and the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA's commitment to promoting health and fitness throughout the entire community.

Elite Performances Lead the Pack

While hundreds of runners celebrated simply crossing the finish line, the front of the pack witnessed some exceptional athletic performances that set the tone for the entire event.

Max Kahn demonstrated dominant form, claiming first place overall with an impressive time of 16:10.69. His sub-17-minute performance over the challenging course showed remarkable speed and endurance, setting a blistering pace from the starting gun.

Close behind, Noah Johnston secured second place with a strong 16:51.65 finish, maintaining consistent speed throughout the race and representing the depth of talent in the competitive field. Rounding out the podium, Michelangelo Lepore crossed the finish line in 17:01.15, capping off an exciting battle at the front of the pack where mere seconds separated the top finishers.

These elite performances, all under 17 minutes and 30 seconds, showcased the competitive nature of this year's race while inspiring the hundreds of runners following behind them.

The Power of Professional Race Timing

Behind every successful race stands a reliable race timing system that ensures accurate, trustworthy results for every single participant. Tristate Timing provided comprehensive professional timing services for the Mountain Lakes Turkey Trot, utilizing state-of-the-art timing technology to capture precise results for all 1,178 finishers.

Professional race timing serves multiple critical functions that elevate the participant experience:

• Accurate chip timing for every runner, ensuring fair and precise results
• Real-time results processing allowing spectators to track their loved ones
• Immediate digital access to finish times and placement
• Age-group awards calculation recognizing top performers across all age categories
• Seamless integration with RunSignup for instant result publication

The investment in professional timing services transforms a simple community run into a legitimate athletic event where every participant—from the 16-minute elite to the 60-minute recreational runner—receives the same level of attention and accuracy in their results.

Community Impact and Holiday Tradition

The Mountain Lakes Turkey Trot Hosted by Lakeland Hills Family YMCA represents far more than just a race; it's a cherished community tradition that brings neighbors together and promotes healthy living during the holiday season. With nearly 1,200 participants, the event creates a significant positive impact on the Mountain Lakes community.

The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA's role as host organization ensures that the event aligns with their mission of strengthening community foundations through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Proceeds from the race support YMCA programs that benefit families throughout the region, making every registration fee an investment in community wellness.

For many families, participating in the Turkey Trot has become as essential to their Thanksgiving celebration as turkey and stuffing. The race provides an opportunity to start the day with physical activity, connect with neighbors, and create lasting memories before the afternoon festivities begin.

Results Access and Participant Experience

Participants seeking their official results can find complete timing data through RunSignup results, where Tristate Timing has uploaded comprehensive race information including overall placement, gender placement, age-group rankings, and chip-timed splits. The user-friendly platform allows runners to search by name or bib number, download personalized certificates, and share their accomplishments on social media.

The combination of professional timing services and digital results management ensures that the participant experience extends well beyond the finish line. Runners can analyze their performance, compare results with previous years, and set goals for future races based on accurate data.

Looking Ahead: Professional Timing for Your Event

The success of the Mountain Lakes Turkey Trot demonstrates the importance of professional race timing services in creating a memorable, well-organized event. Whether you're planning a small community 5K, a large-scale marathon, or a specialty event like a turkey trot, Tristate Timing offers comprehensive timing solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Our services include:

• Advanced chip timing systems with backup technology
• Experienced on-site timing staff managing all technical aspects
• Custom race websites and online registration
• Professional finish line management
• Instant results uploads to RunSignup
• Detailed post-race reports and analytics

Join Us for Future Races

The incredible turnout at this year's Mountain Lakes Turkey Trot proves that community running events continue to thrive when supported by professional organization and reliable timing services. Whether you're a competitive athlete chasing personal records or a recreational runner seeking community connection, professionally timed events provide the structure and accuracy that enhance every participant's experience.

If you're planning a race in New Jersey or the surrounding tristate area, contact Tristate Timing to learn how our professional race timing services can help make your event a success. With cutting-edge technology, experienced staff, and a commitment to accuracy, we ensure that every runner's achievement is properly recognized and celebrated.

Ready to view the complete results? Visit RunSignup to see full timing data, age group awards, and detailed splits from the Mountain Lakes Turkey Trot Hosted by Lakeland Hills Family YMCA.

Congratulations to all 1,178 finishers who made this Thanksgiving morning special, and we look forward to seeing you at the starting line of future races!