Zhang, Dinneen win coveted Marli titles as hundreds brave the elements to continue 75-year tradition (PHOTOS)

This year’s Marli Run was undoubtedly well-earned if it ends up in the record books with an asterisk.

For the first time in its storied 75-year history, the race was held outside of Clove Lakes Park. It began on Thanksgiving morning on the Midland Beach Boardwalk in harsh weather, with freezing temperatures and strong winds contributing to an exceptionally low turnout. However, it was clear that more than 300 local residents were in attendance, and it would take more than that to turn them away.

Prince Zhang, 21, a former McKee/SI Tech runner, was undoubtedly unaffected by it. He made a name for himself with local running legends by winning the coveted open title in 16:15, eluding fellow Seagull Roman Nersesyan (16:46).

Zhang, who plays collegiately for Cornell University’s Club team, said, “I felt like I was in pretty good shape because I just finished my final cross-country season.” This is always the case with Staten Island Tech. It was good to see them support me at the end, and it seems like a reunion.

The 19-year-old former Notre Dame star Lola Dinneen easily won the women’s division in 17:34 after pulling away at the 1-mile mark.

Dinneen, a recent sophomore cross country athlete at George Washington University, commented, “I used this as a workout because I had a tempo workout today.”

The day’s closest race was for second place, with veteran Melissa Kraker and middle schooler Maeve Heck seemingly going step for step before Kraker’s lengthy strides took over and she passed Heck by a margin of second in 18:35.

Kraker credited her late surge to a friend who was at the right position at the right moment, saying, “I actually enjoyed it, even though it was really windy and rainy.”

My friend Peter Lewis showed up and shouted words of encouragement just when I felt I had nothing left, which inspired me to keep going, she continued.

Heck, who had been competing on the youth circuit since she was seven years old, admitted, “I felt good, but I knew it wasn’t going to be my best race because of the conditions.” I just wanted to carry on the tradition that I’ve been doing for the last four years.

In fact, Chris Calimano’s time of 16:14 was the quickest of the day in the 40-and-over race. The ultra-marathoner finished third in the open event less than 30 minutes later, clocking in at 17:10.

At the 75th Annual Lou Marli Turkey Day Classic on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, at the Midland Beach Boardwalk, race director Steve Zimmermann smiles at the familiar faces. Jason Paderon/Staten Island AdvanceAdvance of Staten Island

For event director Steve Zimmermann, who had to deal with an apparently never-ending litany of challenges, from the difficult choice to transfer the race from Clove Lakes to the children’s medals being delayed in shipment and not reaching in time, the weather problem seemed insignificant.

But in the end, Zimmermann only cared that the marathon went off for the 75th time because of the assistance of the local running community.

The Head Turkey remarked, “Despite the bad weather and the dedication of the Staten Island running community, I’m amazed at the turnout.”

“The only thing I took away from this is that people from Staten Island are tough,” Zimmermann continued. We confront hardship head-on and don’t give up.

NOTES: Running historian Jeff Benjamin gave a brief address before the men’s race to thank Bill Welsh and Advance reporter George Kochman for their contributions to the race and the running community as a whole.

The race is renowned for being among the nation’s oldest free Turkey trots. Due to ongoing course reconstruction, it was moved from its customary location in Clove Lakes Park for this year.

The 75th Turkey Day Classic by Lou Marli

Three Miles to the Midland Beach Boardwalk

All men

1. Prince Zhang (16:15)

2. Nersesyan, Roman 16:46

3. 17:10 Chris Calimano

All women

1. 17:34 Lola Dinneen

2. 18:35 Melissa Kraker

3. 18:36 Maeve Heck

Age Group for Men

40–44

1. 16:14 Chris Calimano

2. Johnsen Craig

3. Vidais Renee

45–49

1. Maxwell, Ryan

2. Davila, Jose

3. Moeller, Tom

50–54

1. Grutsky, Dean

3. Whitehouse, Dave

55–59

1. Lewis, Peter

2. Benjamin Jeff

60–64

1. Mario Ricca Jr.

2. Daunt Art

3. Terry O. Brien

65–69

1. Mario Reyes

More than 70

1. Mary Tom

Age Group of Females

19 and younger

1. At 18:36, Maeve Heck

2. Pantaleo, Genevieve

3. Sulmana Muradiah

20–24

1. Williams, Cassidy

2. Kimsita Natalia

3. Goldstein, Rachael.

25–29

1. Morano, Claudia

2. Nutistky, Emily

3. Gardner, Bridgit

30-34

1. Morano Kat

2. Rivera Jenna

3. Noel Maya

35–39

1. Siderowitz, Samantha

2. Totlen, Mary

3. Evelyn Hahn

40–44

1. Christina Neida-Emerson

2. Patty Patrissy

45–49

1. Melissa Kraker

2. Rachel Fuller

3. Jennifer Cocei

50–54

1. Angela Fava

2. Kathleen Heck

3. Elyse Harrell

55-49

1. Victoria Kender

2. Ana Kahan

3. Lisa Lubursky

60–64

1. JoAnn Rusiello

65–69

1. Sarah Gardner

2. Rachel Harrell

3. Liz Morano

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