In the Beginning...
1907:
The Inaugural Race
The Turkey Day Race and the Jackson Day Race were started by Tad Gormley.
1918:
Hiatus
The race was suspended following the conclusion of World War I.
1928:
Revival
The race was revived by the Athletic Director, Irwin Poche.
1929:
Renamed
The Young Men’s Gymnastic Club (YMGC) was renamed the New Orleans Athletic Club (NOAC).
1937:
Going Big
With the dedication of City Park Stadium in 1937, track and field events grew over the decades.
1941:
Two Trophies One Winner
Both awards were awarded to one Winner; the Time Prize and First Place.
1943-1945:
Hiatus II
The race was suspended due to World War II.
1947:
Recognition
The race was dubbed “the opening event for the 1947-48 Cross Country Season” by NOAC Punch magazine. Participants from local high schools, universities, and military teams further out from New Orleans took part.
1957:
Half a Century
The race was coined “the biggest cross-country race of the Southern AAU district” by NOAC Punch magazine. This year also marked the 50th turkey day race.
1965:
Malcolm Robinson
Robinson became the only runner ever to win the time prize four times in 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1965, missing a fifth win narrowly in 1967 by finishing a close second.
1965:
Tad Gormley Stadium
Tad Gormley passes away, and the stadium in City Park is renamed in his honor.
1966:
One Last Time
The 5-mile race is held on North Rampart and Canal Streets for the last time.
1967:
A New Route
The 5-mile racecourse is established in and around City Park, with the finish line in Tad Gormley Stadium.
1969:
The First Lady
This year marks the first time a woman, Barbara Gorrondona, competes in the race against 102 men (she is photographed here on the far right, alongside the first female victor Alicia Sabi, seen far left).
1970:
Power to Women
This year, four women compete in the race, and a 16-year-old female, Alicia Sabi, crosses the finish line in the first place! She becomes the first woman to win the race.
1986:
The First Charity Run
The race becomes a charitable event with all profits donated to the charities actively involved in supporting and developing this Thanksgiving tradition.
2008:
Five O’
Marked Mr. Albert Briede’s participation in his 50th consecutive Turkey Day Race!
2020:
Amidst the Pandemic
The Turkey Day Race was organized virtually during the pandemic, offering a unique Turkey Day celebration with limited participants in observance of COVID-19 regulations.
2022:
Ongoing
The annual Turkey Day Race is here to stay! Symbolizing community spirit and ongoing recovery for all of our long-time participants.
