Turkey Trot: The Healthy Thanksgiving Day Tradition

You may have seen people in turkey costumes if you've been out for a walk before celebrating Thanksgiving. They aren't late for Halloween. They're participating in a Turkey Trot. Running in costume is a new addition, but the race is over 100 years old. The Turkey Trot is becoming a favorite holiday tradition. Runners who participate run the race in all kinds of weather, even blizzards. Thanksgiving is famous for festive holiday dinners with families and friends. The Turkey Trot is becoming as much a tradition with people nationwide. If you choose to relax and munch on your favorite goodies, that's ok, but many people are finding the race isn't only challenging but is often run for a good cause.

The History of the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

The Turkey Trot dates back earlier than the Boston Marathon, the most prestigious race in the world. The race originated in Buffalo, New York, in 1896 and was sponsored by the Buffalo YMCA. The first race was eight kilometers with six runners. Only four of the participants finished the race. The Buffalo race began a Thanksgiving tradition. The concept eventually spread to all 50 states and is now a Thanksgiving tradition. The original race that began in Buffalo continues today in all kinds of weather. Runners in Buffalo take the race seriously. In 2002, Buffalo was hit with a blizzard that dumped two feet of snow on the city, and more than 5,000 runners competed on Thanksgiving.

In the years since the first Turkey Trot in Buffalo, two of the country's largest races have been held in Dallas and Silicon Valley, California. Both races attract more than 25,000 runners each year. In 2022, 756,894 people officially entered one of the races. More entrants likely participated in unofficial races. The races are so popular that Thanksgiving Day is the most significant running day all year. The critical components of the Turkey Trot events are that holidays are all about tradition, and the Turkey Trot is one of the oldest. Many communities use the race to dress up in festive costumes, have a good time, and run for a great cause. The Thanksgiving Day races are family-friendly and fun, and all ages are encouraged to participate. Many of the racers collect donations for local charities.