Despite the seasonal expectation, Thanksgiving Day in New Albany, Indiana is NOT a day for stuffing. At least not for several hundred runners and walkers who do their feasting by foot.

For the past 10 years, Fast Freddie Geswein has organized a race that's now a full-fledged event. For instance, in past races, 600 runners and walkers finished the 5-mile run.

As Fred pointed out before the race, "The Kenyans aren't coming, the Chinese women won't be there and we won't be drug testing. That creates an opportunity for local runners to do well."

Rich McCurdy and Amanda Bell did just that. Rich ran a 25:00 and Amanda Bell, an Indiana High School Cross Country Champion ran a 29:52.

According to Fast Freddie, who teaches biology and coaches cross country at nearby Providence High, the holiday race is part of a grand historical tradition. "Thanksgiving Day races are very big deals in many American cities, particularly large cities."

Why the commitment to calorie burning on a day best known for consuming? "Runners are gonna run," Fred says sagely. "They don't sit around and eat!"

No grass will be growing under Freddie's fast feet in the foreseeable future. Besides local club and high school events, Fred works many of the home meets at nearby Indiana University and the University of Kentucky. He has also officiated at the NCAA and USA Track and Field Championships from coast to coast. With a track record like that, Fred's expertise is even clear to turkeys.

All the first place winners are awarded a unique trophy called the "Freddie." It depicts a running turkey in high-top sneakers. We hope you keep on running for years to come Fast Freddie!