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There is a lot to be thankful for at record-setting
7th running of PMCU O'side Turkey Trot
Oceanside's Okwaro Raura is en route to winning the 5 Miler.
Members of Austin Bice's family are interviewed by Fox 5.
Claire Rethmeier strides to a 5K victory.
OCEANSIDE, November 22, 2012 - With bright skies and mild temperatures highlighting the beauty of a fast, oceanfront course, more than 9,000 runners and walkers had a lot to be thankful for in a record-setting Pacific Marine Credit Union O'side Turkey Trot.
The 7th running of what has become a holiday tradition in downtown Oceanside brought together all segments of the community, mixing ingredients like a Thanksgiving dinner to create a memorable day for which to give thanks.
The growth of the event - from less than 2,000 in its debut - meant the chip-timed runners and walkers went off in waves for the opening 5 Mile Run, as well as the larger 5K Run/Walk, which, by itself, attracted more than 5,000 entrants.
Many in the festive, sun-splashed crowd participated in family groups, with this race having become a tradition of "Moving Your Feet Before You Eat" on Thanksgiving Day. Many members of the military ran, remembering the sacrifices of their brothers and sisters in uniform. Members of Team Austin Bice won the team title with a 355-entrant turnout that honored the memory of Austin Bice, a San Diego State student who loved participating in this event.
And, of course, there were elite runners looking to gobble up a fast time on a quick course in the ideal conditions. All were thankful on a day for giving thanks.
"I think of friends who aren't here, some battling cancer," said Dave Hutchinson, winner of the 70-74 title in the 5 Miler. "Being able to show up and participate on a day like this and seeing more than 9,000 people running, it's something to be thankful for."
Oceanside's Okwaro Raura defended his 5 Mile title with little challenge, breaking away early and running solo most of the way. Afterward, he slowed down to offer his thoughts.
"I am thankful today for my family, my health and having been given the talent to run," said the native Kenyan who came to the United States in 1996 and had the good fortune to run in the nearby Cal State San Marcos program headed by American middle distance running legend Steve Scott. "I am also thankful for my friends - and my enemies. They make you stronger."
Raura, a 4:01 miler who wants to join his former coach as a sub-four-minute miler, was happy with a 25 minute, 36 second time that brought him to the finish well ahead of second place Kyle Fox of Chico, who ran 26:07.
"This course is moderately fast," he said, "and the race starts early enough to have good, cool  running weather. My time could have been faster if I had been pushed, but I wanted to go out