Update: Results were updated on the Rat Race Timing webpage and some times may differ from the times initially reported.

Inspiration for runners comes in a variety of forms - ranging from completing that first 5K to improving personal best times. Participants of the 7th Annual Newtown Turkey Trot 5K road race and fun walk, to support the Cyrenius H. Booth Library on Thanksgiving morning, had those and a variety of other forms of motivation to cross the finish line.

Zach Schwartz won the race for the second year in a row, as the 28-year-old Newtown resident completed the 3.1-mile course in a time of 16:01.

Schwartz didn't have the reason to push himself that he has in years past since one of the top area runners, Kevin Hoyt, was absent for this year's Turkey Day run.

"It made it harder. I'd rather have someone pushing me, but it was good - I can't complain" said Schwartz, who was 56 seconds ahead of the next finisher, Brookfield's Michael Bodie, 19, who came in with an impressive time just a few seconds under 17 minutes.

The top female finishers were Sandy Hook's Brenda McRae, 33, and New Milford's Michaela Copenhaver, 26, both of whom finished in 20:09.

"I'm excited. It's my first road race in Newtown. I just moved here," said McRae, who relocated from Danbury, and ran four miles from home just to get to the starting line.

"I was behind her the whole time," said Copenhaver, who used McRae as her motivation to turn it on late in the race and finish strong.

Steve Meeker ran the race with his son, Owen, and foreign exchange student Ian Peng of Taiwan, who is staying with his family. Their motivation: building an appetite for their Thanksgiving meal.

"It's our annual event - earning our stuffing and extra helping of dessert," Meeker said.

Jake and Andrea Krong, of Utah, visit family in Newtown each Thanksgiving and participated in the race. Jake Krong was runner-up to Schwartz a year ago, but is battling the injury bug this fall and was inspired to take a different approach to the race this go around. He dressed in a turkey costume, complete with big yellow feet and a wattle.

"I was a little embarrassed running with him," his wife said light-heartedly.

The Krongs had the support of family at the finish line of the run that started at Hawley School and ended at Newtown Middle School.

"We've got to keep our family entertained," Andrea said.

And having them at the race gave their aunt, who was getting set to host Thanksgiving dinner, a little peace and quiet before everybody went to her house to eat, Jake added.

The runners were greeted with overcast skies and cool - but not frigid in comparison to some Thanksgivings - temperatures in the 30s.

"It wasn't as cold as I thought it was going to be - no wind," Schwartz said.

The course features some ups and downs, including a steep slope just after the start.

"When you go up the hill it warms you up," said regular Newtown racer Bill Begg, who participated with his family members.

Competitors refueled with water, bananas, and other snacks provided at the finish, and cooled down and stretched out with the help of Matt Taylor, of Church Hill Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, was on hand to assist runners before and after the race.

Complete results are to be posted at RAT Race Timing's website, aratrace.com.