It’s that time of the year again when turkey lovers who love to run gather for an appetite-inducing morning of good-natured competition.  So, what exactly is a Turkey Trot?

On Thanksgiving Day, or very near it, runners across the nation lace up their shoes for some version of the trot. And if you anticipate indulging in a huge Thanksgiving feast, you may want to participate in this fun footrace to burn off a few calories and eat guilt-free.

So, before the big games, the second helpings, the parades and the pie why not get in a little exercise with a few thousand of your friends and neighbors. Better to pound the pavement before you pound the pumpkin pie.

The oldest continually-held Turkey Trot race in the US is held in Buffalo, New York but similar races can be found all across the country. This year’s race in Buffalo will mark the 115th consecutive start.

If you’re on the other coast, you can join  about 11,000 people for the beautiful Dana Point Turkey Trot. The race is a USAT&F certified course that includes a tour of the beautiful beaches, majestic cliffs and coves of Dana Point. Feel the pounding surf and cool ocean breezes as you sail through the Dana Point Marina and Doheny State Park. The 5K and 10K run/walk is one of the largest of its kind. You can pre-register online at www.turkeytrot.com.

There are lots and lots of Turkey Trots in between New York and California so check out ones in your community. They’re often organized by the local Y or run as charity events so you can exercise and do good at the same time!

Here’s just a sampling of some  other Turkey Trots happening Thanksgiving Day.

Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot is one of the largest Thanksgiving Day events  in the country.  Starting from humble beginnings 42 years ago at White Rock Lake, it has grown into the undisputed “Way to Begin Thanksgiving Day” for thousands of locals including generations of participants.

Long Beach Turkey Trot will take place on Thurs., Nov. 25th, at the Belmont Pool in Belmont Shore, just two blocks east of the Belmont Pier. The entire 5K/10K is on the very flat, scenic beach bike path. Winners of the 9:30 10K and 10:30 5K start times will  receive tickets to OC Fair & Event Center’s very first New Year’s Eve Block Party event on December 31st.

The 13th annual Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving morning Thursday November 25th at 8 a.m. at Naperville Central High School. The 5K USATF certified course is a flat, scenic route through west-central  Naperville. The Lion’s Club race benefits those with sight and hearing disorders as well as diabetes

Looking for more? Check out active.com to register for a race in your area.

And if, for some reason, you can’t (or don’t want t0) run a Turkey Trot, maybe you can gobble at those running the course or throw mashed potatoes at the ones who are too slow (on second thought, don’t do that). Just get out there and run.

• Filed Under:  
• Lifestyle, Health/Fitness, Events, Cause/Charity

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• Running
• Pretty Healthy
• Pretty Smart
• Pretty Good

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