If you have a lot to be thankful for, Denver's annual Turkey Trot is a great way to show it -- and help others in the process!
On Thanksgiving Day, some 10,000 Coloradans will descend upon Washington Park to run or walk (or trot!) along a four-mile course to raise money for the community through the Mile High United Way. Last year's Turkey Trot brought in $400,000 that was then used to "support Mile High United Way's fight for the education, health, and financial stability for everyone in Metro Denver." WHEN: Thursday, November 23 (Thanksgiving Day) | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. WHERE: Washington Park, Denver COST: $45/adult | $35/senior | $30/child [gallery ids="26484,26478,26483"] Known for being one of the best Thanksgiving races in the United States, the 44th annual Mile High United Way Turkey Trot is a ton of fun, with lively Start and Finish Villages that feature tons of free goodies, giveaways, and handouts (and free beer from the Great Divide Brewing Company after you finish the race!). Plus, each of the first 9,500 registrants will receive a commemorative t-shirt!
A popular family tradition, last year's event included participants from 49 states (most likely out-of-town family that had come in for the holiday!), and 93 percent of the runners participated with their families. And while the average runner's age was 37 years old, the oldest participant was 92! Literally, anybody can register and participate. Register here!
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Proceeds from the event help accomplish the United Way's four goals of ensuring that children enter school ready to learn, that they're reading at grade level by the end of third grade, that high schoolers graduate ready for college or career, and that families can move out of poverty into self-sufficiency.
So stick your turkey in the oven and head down to Wash Park on Thanksgiving morning. What better way to show and celebrate your thankfulness than to give back to your community? The yams and stuffing can wait, and believe me, you'll appreciate them more after a good run anyway.
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Are you planning to participate in the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot? Leave a comment below, and let's get the conversation started!