Hot To Trot: Thanksgiving Day Races

Before taking a bite of green bean casserole, watching football and taking a turkey-induced snooze, hundreds of thousands of people in the United States start their Thanksgiving by running road races known as turkey trots.

According to Running USA, a non-profit organization that tracks road racing trends, Thanksgiving Day has become the most popular holiday for recreational distance running in the United States, trumping Independence Day in runner participation.

In 2012, 858,000 people trotted on Thanksgiving Day, whether for competition, to cure a hangover from Thanksgiving Eve or feel guilt-free while gobbling down all day, and 1 million finishers were expected last year.

“On July Fourth, you’re less likely to think, ‘I’m going to run and pig out on…hot dogs?’” said Ryan Lamppa, spokesman, Running USA, in a Runner’s World article. “On Thanksgiving, doing a 5k or 10-miler is justification for many people for eating turkey and potatoes and pie.”

Usually linked to charitable causes, Thanksgiving races reward top finishers and those dressed in the most unique turkey costumes with Thanksgiving-themed prizes, such as frozen turkeys and pies to take home to the family for Thanksgiving dinner.

To find a Thanksgiving-themed race near you, visit Running in the USA.