By: Mandy Tegtmeyer, CWP, Wellness Consultant; The Employers’ Association

Grab your sweatpants and get ready to enjoy the stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and last but not least the turkey! But before you do, kick off Thanksgiving morning by sweating it out at a local Turkey Trot.

Did you know that the holiday race actually began in New York back in 1896? That first year, six runners ran a 5-mile cross-country race on dirt roads through downtown Buffalo. Fast forward to today, and there are Turkey Trots of various distances hosted in all 50 states with 10 states (Ohio being one of them), hosting 30 or more races on Thanksgiving Day.

If you’ve never joined the Thanksgiving Day fun, here are 8 reasons to run/walk a Turkey Trot.

1. Food – What better way to rev up your appetite than to run/walk a 5K or 10K race? As a bonus, many Turkey Trot races give out turkeys as prizes or provide tasty treats at the finish line.
2. Fall weather – Many people argue that fall is the best time of year for running/walking, so throw on your best turkey costume and enjoy the cool weather and colored leaves!
3. Gratitude – If your body is fit enough to allow you to participate in a road race, you have plenty to be thankful for, so show appreciation to your body for the incredible things it lets you do.
4. Community – A Turkey Trot is the perfect way to connect to your community. You can meet new people and maybe even join a local running/walking club.
5. Giving – Many Turkey Trots give a portion of race proceeds to food banks or to support local causes.
6. Family – Whether it’s your biological family, or a group of people you consider family, a Turkey Trot is a fun way to bond with some of your favorite people.
7. Tradition – Yearly rituals help us mark the passage of time. Take a family Turkey Trot photo year after year and see how everyone changes.
8. Celebration – Holidays are a great time to escape the usual activities of everyday life. Celebrate what is meaningful to you!

So, throw on your best costume and start a new tradition with your family this Thanksgiving by participating in a local Turkey Trot!

Click the links below for more information or to find a Turkey Trot in your area.

8 Reasons to Run a Turkey Trot | Fleet Feet

Turkey Trots | Ohio | 2024 - 2025 | Find A Race