Every year since 2006 my brothers and I have run a Turkey Trot 10K (6.2 miles) in whatever city we’re in on Thanksgiving. Usually it’s Detroit but last year we were in San Francisco and this year in Marin County. When my brother, Michael, first pitched the idea in 2006, I was not a runner at all. I enjoyed going out on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving to see my high school friends, so the thought of waking up at 5:00am to run in the freezing cold with 20,000 other people seemed like a horrible idea. Until it became the greatest thing we’ve ever done. The Thanksgiving Turkey Trot is a must-do and one of our greatest family traditions. Even my niece ran in the kids Turkey Trot at the age of 2! It was probably the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
So, Why Do A Turkey Trot?
- Earn your Thanksgiving meal! A 6.2 mile run will burn about 500-600 calories, so go ahead and have that slice of pumpkin pie!
- A fun tradition that almost the whole family can partake in. Usually the races will offer a kids distance and/or a 5K version.
- Meet new runners in your community and see familiar faces
- This is Detroit-centric: But I LOVE seeing so many people downtown.
- Get the day started on the right foot and build up energy to cook, watch football, and enjoy the rest of your afternoon
- Thanksgiving dinner bragging rights!
- Use your creativity! The races are extremely laid back and a lot of people dress up in holiday costumes.
- Accomplish a goal and feel great!
Live in the Bay Area? It’s not too late to sign up for a race! Here are your options:
- San Jose Silicon Valley Turkey Trot Events: Kids fun run, 5k and 10k run/walk, 10k wheelchair .Starting line: Santa Clara and Market streets, downtown San Jose. Registration: Online registration only. Deadline to sign up is 6 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28.
- Marin Turkey Trot Events: 1 mile, 5k, 10k run/walk. Starting line: Indian Valley College, Novato. Online registration closes Tuesday night, Nov. 26. On-site registration starts at 7 a.m. Thursday.
- Solano Turkey Trot Events: Kids’ fun run, 5k run/walk, 10k run. Starting line: Fairfield Campus of Solano Community College. Registration: Online registration is closed. Race-day registration opens at 6:30 a.m. Thursday.
- Piedmont Turkey Trot Event: 3-mile run/walk. Starting line: Piedmont High School. Registration: Online registration closes at midnight Tuesday. On-site registration at Piedmont High School 2-5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday starting at 7 a.m.
- Turkey Trail Trot XI: San Francisco: Registration Closed – Race Has Reached Capacity
Who is planning on doing a Turkey Trot this year? How long has this been a tradition in your family? Or do you do it with friends?
Thanks everyone and Happy Thanksgiving Week!
Where's The Tofu? 