It's that time of year again!
November means Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving means ... turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and family? No (well, yes)! But it also means turkey trots! If you need a quick refresher from last year, a turkey trot is a race (typically a 5K) on or around Thanksgiving Day. Usually, there are fun gimmicks involved like costume contests (think pilgrims or turkies), and sometimes you can win a turkey instead of a trophy at the end of the race! But aside from the fun, these races usually have a charitable bent to them as well. Exercise, giving, and fun are the perfect way to kick off your Thanksgiving. There are tons of turkey trots all over the place this time of year! You just gotta find the right one for you!
Courtesy of support.some.org.
Trot for Hunger 2019
Trot for Hunger 2019 is an annual Thanksgiving Day 5K race in D.C. that works to raise awareness about homelessness, poverty, and hunger in the DC area. SOME (So Others Might Eat) is an organization that works to set up programs that will help break the harmful cycle of poverty and homelessness. This is SOME's 18th year hosting this race, so you know they know what they're doing!
According to the Trot for Hunger's registration page, last year SOME was able to provide "388,135 meals to hungry men, women, and children;13,554 showers; and 38,086 sets of clothing," and were able to serve "2,742 patients during doctor & dentist visits, and 2,954 clients during meetings with a counselor" (emphasis in original). Impressive!
About the Race
This race will take place Thanksgiving morning. (Just so you don't have to check your calendar: Thanksgiving falls on November 28 this year!) And there are lots of race options for whatever level of runner you are—or whatever level of runner you are the early, cold morning of a holiday. At 8:30 a.m., the little ones get to do their one-mile Little Turkey Fun Run, followed by the timed 5K event at 9 a.m. Interested in walking, running slow, or just not having the pressure of a timer? The untimed 5K start is at 9:15 a.m. The races are stroller and leashed-dog friendly—just stick to the right.
The course winds through parts of D.C. and is flat as can be—phew!
Take a sneak peek at the course! Courtesy of support.some.org.
Projected to have an 8,000-person turnout, this event is going to be big! Be sure to have a plan for how you'll pick up your packet. Pickup times will be available immediately prior to the race, but you can also pick your packet up (or have a family member, friend, or fellow runner do it for you) at a soon-to-be designated time and location. A family-friendly and fun festival will take place in Freedom Plaza to go along with the running festivities. Events include live music and games.
Loving the sound of this event, but don't want to run? Volunteer opportunities are available and greatly appreciated!
Don't wanna run? Volunteer instead! Courtesy of support.some.org.
Start Thanksgiving morning with your heart in a good place—in more ways than one! With cardiovascular exercise and by supporting a cause that helps out the members of our community.
Do you plan on running a turkey trot? Or maybe doing something else for a good cause this Thanksgiving season? Let us know in the comments!
The Run-Around is a weekly feature, focusing on fitness in and around Annapolis, MD.
