The Essex Turkey Trot has been a staple on Cape Ann for the better part of four decades.
This fall, the event — which dates back to the 1970s and originally included live turkeys at the starting line — returned on the Sunday before Thanksgiving for its 46th year.
Nearly 70 entrants turned out for the 5k race, with Gloucester native Willy Pierce stealing the show with another first place finish overall. The 27-year-old crossed the finish line in 16:50, running at a 5:26 mile pace and breaking his own event record (was 17:08) which he set last year. Pierce was nearly three minutes faster than second place finisher Aidan Baran of Ipswich (19:34), while Tom Williamson (19:56) was the only other runner to break the 20-minute mark.
On the women’s side, 11-year-old Harley Lage of Beverly took the crown with a time of 25:05, securing an impressive 11th place finish overall.
There was a great mix of runners overall, with competitors from ages nine all the way to 82 finding their way into the field in what was another wildly successful holiday event.