A Legacy of Running, Family, and Community
by Nancy Keeshan
“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” This saying captures the spirit of John Keeshan and the tradition he helped establish with the Montauk Turkey Day Run for Fun.
After moving from Staten Island to Montauk with his family in the early 1970s, John brought with him a lifelong love of running. He often spoke about running laps around a high school track after work in the city, armed with a stopwatch and a pair of tennis shoes. This was long before running became popular, but John loved how it made him feel and the camaraderie that came with racing. Running remained a source of joy throughout his life.
In Staten Island during the 1960s, John participated in the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. After settling in Montauk, he and a group of friends started their own Thanksgiving morning tradition. They would run out to the Ranch and back, covering about five miles, and enjoy a great start to the holiday. Over time, this informal gathering grew into the Montauk Turkey Day Run for Fun. In 1976, the course was established around Fort Pond, and what began with a handful of friends developed into a beloved community tradition.
John believed Thanksgiving was a day for everyone to come together, regardless of age, ability, or speed. The goal was simple: participate, have fun, and enjoy the company of the community. Rain or snow, runners showed up, and the event welcomed everyone from serious athletes to families with children, grandparents, and parents pushing strollers. One memorable participant even ran in work boots alongside his dog—a story John enjoyed sharing for years.
The Fort Pond course featured a three-mile loop, with serious runners completing two loops for just over six miles. John would visit the supermarket the day before to pick up a box of turkeys for the winners. Rather than trophies, winners took home genuine frozen Butterball turkeys. He also enjoyed appearing on WLNG radio during its live coverage of the race.
As the event continued to grow, Gordon Carberry, then Director of Recreation for the Town of East Hampton, suggested that the town become involved to help sustain the tradition. John welcomed the partnership and enjoyed working with the town over the years.
Even when he could no longer run, John continued to be part of the event. When running became difficult, he walked. Later, he rode around Fort Pond in a police car, escorting runners and cheering them on. His continued involvement reflected the very spirit of the race: keep moving forward and always give something back to your community.
Following John’s passing this past year, the Town of East Hampton thoughtfully renamed the event the John Keeshan Memorial Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, honoring the man whose enthusiasm and simple idea helped bring generations of Montauk residents together. A special thank-you to John Rooney and the Town of East Hampton for keeping this tradition alive and recognizing John’s lasting contribution to the community.
Please join us at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning for the 50th anniversary celebration! It will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the history of the race, honor John’s legacy, and continue a tradition that has brought Montauk together for generations.
For me, this tradition will always hold a special place in my heart. John Keeshan wasn’t just the man who helped bring this race to life—he was my dad. I’m so proud to see his spirit live on through a tradition that continues to bring people together, and I feel fortunate that his legacy will always be part of Thanksgiving Day in Montauk.
Keep moving forward, and Happy Thanksgiving!