When you are running a race the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend in New England there is a pretty strong likelihood that the air will be cool, there could be a flurry or two and the running gear is likely to include perhaps a hat and gloves. However, for this year’s 33rd Talking Turkey 6 Mile Race in Holyoke, MA there was instead some of the finest running weather imaginable.

With temperatures in the mid to upper sixties, the weather for this year’s Talking Turkey is hands down the finest I can remember this race ever having. Shorts and a short sleeve shirt was all that was needed and the warmth of the sun really made for simply ideal running conditions. The Talking Turkey runs along a crushed stone course and the race is an annual must-do-event as the race loops around reservoirs and in terms of scenery is some of the finest you will find on an autumn day. With the leaves changing colors all along the course the running comes easy on this course as you are surrounded by absolutely amazing surroundings.

The race this year was the first time there was a chip timing finish and along the course each mile is marked with a caller yelling out splits. A water station is at about the 3.5 mile mark and a good contingent of supporters cheered runners on as we ran across a little strip of land between two reservoirs. The race finishes with a nice, gradual up-hill finish that ends at the Holyoke Elks Lodge which is pretty nicely packed with fans cheering you into the finish. For a $30 race, the race is an absolute bargain with good post-race food, entertainment, cash bar and long-sleeve technical shirts available to all who pre-registered.

I finished the Talking Turkey 6 Miler with a time of 47:18, good for 7:53/miles. Considering my first mile was an 8:30 due to some congestion of runners along the first mile, I was quite pleased I picked up my pace from miles 2-6 and finished strong up the hill.