By Liran Hashalom
The Dana Point Turkey Trot took place at the Dana Point Harbor on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025. The event featured a 10K at 7:00 a.m., followed by two 5K races at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and the Kids’ 1‑Mile Run, the “Gobble Wobble,” began at 10:15 a.m. The 10K course passed through Doheny State Beach, and all races started and finished near the Marina Plaza parking lot, with shuttle services running from 5:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. from Dana Hills High School. Registration fees varied by race, and a portion of proceeds supported local nonprofits. According to Turkeytrot.com, the overall 10K winner was 25‑year‑old Sydney Gidabuday, who finished in 29:44 with a 4:47 pace. The 8:30 a.m. 5K was won by 25‑year‑old Tim Bergstrom of Irvine in 16:02, and the 9:30 a.m. race was won by Francisco Felix, who finished in 14:47. Several Dana Hills students ran the Turkey Trot for the first time. Junior Julian Rietschel ran the 5K in 24:33, saying he signed up because “it sounded fun” and because he genuinely enjoys running, adding that “the bridge was the hardest part” due to its incline. Junior Gavin Calder ran the 9:30 a.m. 5K in 20:47, maintaining a 5:50 pace even while running with “a hurt hamstring.” Freshman Josh Zarzycki completed the 10K in 55:30 with an 8:30 pace. The runners shared advice for people considering participating in the race next year. Gavin recommended to “run at least two weeks beforehand,” Josh added, “Train for it, take your time stretching, and don’t rush in until you’re ready,” and Julian advised future runners to “get there early and warm up.”
Photo Provided by Gavin Calder