Runners filtered out of Hawley School and through the streets of Newtown before completing the 8th Annual NewtownTurkey Trot 5K, which supports the CH Booth Library, at Newtown Middle School, Thanksgiving morning.RAT Race Timing webpageRead more about the race in the December 1 print edition of The Bee, and visit the

Newtown's Zach Schwartz, for the third year in a row, was the first finisher, clocking in with a net time of 16:23.

Schwartz, 29, had plenty of competition thanks an unfamiliar face and strong competitor.

"There was somebody I didn't recognize who took it out pretty fast up that hill," Schwartz said of the start of the race.

That somebody was New Fairfield 21-year-old Michael McGonnigle, who led for much of the race, ultimately placing second in 16:33.

"It was definitely good to have the push," said Schwartz, who finally passed McGonnigle on Grand Place close to the finish line of the race on this chilly morning.

"That hill around the three-mile mark was pretty tough. That's where he got me," McGonnigle said.

The top female was tenth-place overall runner Brittaney Wyszynski, 29, of Los Angeles, whose parents Susan and Gary Talbot are from Newtown.

Wyszynski, who had the support of her family, including her husband Chad, came across in a time of 19:28.

Wyszynski is a triathlete who will be competing in the world championships in Australia.

Many of the runners were decked out with turkey hats, and at least a couple were dressed as pilgrims.

Jackie Matthews ran with her dad, David Matthews.

"We've been running every year since the beginning," David said. "It's a blast."

"It's so fun. We push each other," Jackie added.

The father-daughter tandem ran together until the final strides.

"She beat me at the finish line this year, which she should. If she doesn't we have a problem," David said light-heartedly.

All of the runners, no matter how serious or competitive, certainly earned an extra serving of stuffing and some pie. The winners, in fact, went home with a pumpkin pie for their efforts.

Jake Krong was third in 17:31, Ryan Escoda fourth in 17:43, Nathaniel Kinyanjui fifth in 17:53, Ethan Burg sixth in 18:02, Ian Stowe seventh in 18:39, Dick Linley eighth in 18:59, Tucker Grose ninth in 19:10, and Brian Stickles 11th in 19:38.

for results.