The Detroit Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot was a three-generation affair for the Sarmiento family of Clarkston.
Fred Sarmiento, 71, a Clarkston resident for the past 22 years, brought his two daughters, Stacy Locher of Clarkston and Rikki Puzzuoli of Bloomfield Hills, and grandsons Dakota, Stacy’s 14-year-old son; and Seth, 16, Rikki’s son.
‘This race marked our fourth marathon but the first for the boys,? Sarmiento said. ‘My daughters and I did for last year also.?
At the Turkey Trot this year, Stacy, Rikki, and Seth ran the 10K, while Dakota and Sarmiento ran the 5K.
‘Fantastic times for all, too,? Sarmiento said. ‘The Detroit Marathon and Turkey Trot were both a blast to run and memorable events even though the temps were in the 20’s, but what a way to see the beautiful city of Detroit.?
At the Detroit Marathon, the family ran a five-person relay for the total 26-plusmile course. Stacy ran the Ambassador Bridge and Windsor, and Sarmiento did the Belle Isle Bridge and around Belle Isle. Two other friends were also in the relay, and Rikki ran to the finish line from Belle Isle and Greek Town.
‘Just so exciting to participate,? Sarmiento said.
‘We also ran at the Clarkston Backroads Half Marathon last year and the Independence Oaks half marathon this year, and are looking forward to more marathons next year ? as long as this old body holds up,? said the runner, who did the 10K at Clarkston Backroads last year.
Stacy, who’s a spin instructor at Deer Lake Athletic Club, is the motivator of the group, he said.
‘She’s done half-marathons, Rikki’s done 10K’s, while I do 5K’s,? Sarmiento said. ‘I’m just proud to have been in one marathon with both daughters and both grandsons.?