Thanksgiving: a time for giving thanks, watching football, gathering with loved ones, eating, and — for over 1 million Americans — RUNNING.
The tradition of running a local 5K or 10K before your feast (often called "Turkey Trots") has taken off across many cities in America.
As you get ready for the celebration this year, here are 4 interesting facts about the Thanksgiving Fun Run.
1. Thanksgiving is the biggest running day in America
For many, their Thanksgiving agenda includes eating their bodyweight in turkey and passing out while watching the Cowboys or Lions play.
But, last year, a record-breaking 1.1 million Americans started their Thanksgiving holiday with a run, according to runsignup.
2. The Largest Thanksgiving 5K Race is Held in Sacramento
Of those 1.1 million runners, over 31,600 participated in Sacramento's "Run to Feed the Hungry." (kcra.com)
This charity 5K and 10K run has been held every Thanksgiving morning since 1994, when it started with around 800 runners.
3. A YMCA Organized the First Known Thanksgiving Run.
The first known “Turkey Trot” was held in 1896 in Buffalo, New York, organized by the local YMCA, making it older than the Boston Marathon. (livenowfox.com)
This 8K race featured 6 runners and only 4 finishers.
4. The Fastest Known Thanksgiving 5K Time is 13 minutes and 28 seconds.
While most Thanksgiving 5K runs are more casual and family-friendly, Stephen Sambu, was first in line at the Thanksgiving buffet when he flew through a 5K at a Thanksgiving event in Silicon Valley, setting a course record, according to pausatf.org.
Be Part of the Tradition
From its YMCA roots in 1896 to the millions of runners lacing up every Thanksgiving morning, the Turkey Day 5K is more than just a race — it’s a celebration of health, gratitude, and community.
Sign up for the Alexandria Area YMCA Turkey Day 5K and make this Thanksgiving morning one to remember.
Sources
Pausatf.org. (2013, July 26). TTrot — Athletes sought [PDF]. https://www.pausatf.org/data/2013/TTrot-Athletes-Sought.pdf#:~:text=COURSE%20RECORDS%20Men%3A%2013%3A28%20Stephen,2012
LIVE NOW FOX. (2024, November 28). The ‘turkey trot,’ a tradition since 1896, is more popular than ever. LiveNOW from FOX. https://www.livenowfox.com/news/turkey-trot-race-history
KCRA 3. (2024, December 3). Run to Feed the Hungry 2024: New record number of participants for Sacramento Thanksgiving Day tradition. https://www.kcra.com/article/run-to-feed-the-hungry-2024/62534011#:~:text=ORGANIZERS%20SAY%20IT%E2%80%99S%20THE%20LARGEST,FOR%20RUN%20TO%20FEED%20THE