Thanksgiving may be known as a day of feasting in the United States, but it’s also a national day of running.
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Nearly a million people toe starting lines at “Turkey Trots” across the nation most years. All that running before the turkey hits the table makes Thanksgiving the most popular day of the year to race.
As you might guess, though, a good chunk of that crowd doesn’t exactly fall in the hard-core runner category. For many, it might be the only day of the year that they race.
If that describes you … well, this article is a must-read. Exercise physiologist Katie Lawton, MEd, has some tips to get you across the finish line while making the experience fun and energizing.
The turkey trot is a beloved American Thanksgiving tradition. This popular race happens in cities and towns across the country on Thanksgiving morning. But if you’re new to turkey trots, you may be wondering – just how long is this run anyway? Let’s take a look at the history of the turkey trot and the typical race distances.
A Brief History of the Turkey Trot
Turkey trots date all the way back to 1896 in Buffalo, New York. The local YMCA hosted an 8K cross country race on Thanksgiving morning that year with just 6 participants. Only 4 runners actually finished the race! While humble in origin the race continued annually and is now the oldest continuous footrace in North America.
Over the years more turkey trots popped up along the East Coast and eventually spread nationwide. The races started as a way to get in a hearty workout before indulging in a big Thanksgiving feast. They also served as fundraisers for local charities.
As running culture grew in popularity so did turkey trots. Major races like the Manchester Road Race and Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot attracted thousands of runners. The fun family-friendly nature of turkey trots also emerged during this time. Costume contests, kids’ races, and post-race feasts became turkey trot traditions.
In recent years, participation in turkey trots has boomed. Running USA data shows turkey trot finishers exceeded 961,000 in 2016 – up over 300,000 from just 5 years prior. Turkey trots have become a beloved annual custom for many American families.
Typical Turkey Trot Distances
While every turkey trot is unique, most follow typical road racing distances. The most common turkey trot distances are:
- 5K (3.1 miles)
- 5 miles
- 8K (5 miles)
- 10K (6.2 miles)
The 5K distance lets families participate together, including parents pushing strollers or little kids joining in. 5 mile and 8K races are popular for more experienced runners looking to challenge themselves before the big feast. 10K races also draw competitive runners but remain unintimidating for newer racers.
Some notable turkey trot distances include:
- Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot: 8 miles
- Feaster Five Road Race (Andover, MA): 5 miles
- Dana Point Turkey Trot (Dana Point, CA): 5K, 10K
- Hyde Park Pilgrim Run (Kansas City, MO): 5K, 10K
The original Buffalo Turkey Trot race distance was 8K. Funnily enough, the very first trot had just 4 finishers out of 6 starters due to dropouts from stomach issues. Thankfully, today’s turkey trots don’t usually involve such intense gastrointestinal distress!
How to Pick the Right Turkey Trot Distance
So which turkey trot distance is right for you? Here are some tips:
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5K: Great for families, kids, casual runners, and walkers. Even novice runners can cover 3.1 miles. Strollers are welcome.
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5 miles: A good goal for newer runners training for their first 5-miler. Also allows experienced racers to push their pace.
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10K: Ideal for regular runners looking for a faster pre-feast workout. Still unintimidating for newbies.
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8+ miles: Best for seasoned runners who want to test their endurance before the big meal. Prepare to burn lots of calories!
Look at the local turkey trots in your area and choose the distance that fits your fitness level and goals. Most allow walkers as well so don’t feel like you need to be a marathoner to participate. Getting outside for some exercise before Thanksgiving dinner is what it’s all about.
Have a Fun and Safe Turkey Trot
Part of the turkey trot’s popularity comes from its fun, welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to dress up in a creative costume and bring your kids along too! Take time to chat with other trotters and enjoy the community spirit.
When race day arrives, be sure to drink plenty of water, fuel up with a light pre-run meal, and properly warm up. With cooler fall temperatures, remember to dress in light layers you can shed once you get moving.
Most of all, participate in a turkey trot for the sheer joy of it. Whether you walk a 5k or run an 8-miler, crossing the finish line knowing a big feast awaits is an American tradition to be thankful for. Have a wonderful and memorable trot!
Prepping for a Turkey Trot
So, you’ve decided to wake up early on Thanksgiving for a little exercise before the big meal. First, welcome to road racing! You’re going to have a great time, especially if you follow these six tips.
- Pick a manageable race distance. Most Turkey Trots are 5K (or 3.1 miles). That’s a great distance for a beginner. Maybe save the half-marathon, 10K or 5-miler for a future challenge.
- Train a bit. Prep your body by logging a few miles of running or walking ahead of the race. This is especially important if you live a relatively sedentary life. “Let your muscles know what you’re going to ask them to do,” advises Lawton.
- Get a group together. Turn your Turkey Trot into a traveling party by inviting family and friends to join you. “Make it fun,” says Lawton.
- Wear comfortable athletic shoes. Treat your feet right by wearing shoes that offer support. Any athletic shoe will do for a one-time 5K. (Now, if you’re going to start a running or walking program, get fitted for a shoe designed to carry you over many miles.)
- Dress for the weather. Take a layered approach to your outfit. “When you start moving, you’ll warm up,” notes Lawton. “If you layer, it’s easy to take clothes off or put them on to match how you feel.” Some people wear festive costumes, too.
- Hydrate. If you’re expecting to get sweaty, make sure you’re tank is topped off when it comes to fluids. (Consider this doubly important if you plan on heading out for a night of revelry on Thanksgiving Eve.)
A Turkey Trot race guide
There’s no need to overthink race day. Basically, it’s left foot, right foot for 3.1 miles. So, to keep things simple, here are three keys to make the experience fantastic.
- Starting line etiquette. There’s a definite order to how runners line up to start a race. The easiest explanation? Faster runners are in the front … and some of them move very fast. “If you’re planning on walking a bit, start more toward the back,” says Lawton.
- Pace yourself. Energy pulses through races. You’ll feel it at the starting line, too. “It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and just take off running too fast, which can lead to struggles later,” cautions Lawton. Bottom line? Set a comfortable pace and stick to it.
- Have fun! A Turkey Trot is an experience. Soak it all in!
Congrats! You did it! Now, let’s talk about your next steps. (Don’t worry. These steps cover less ground than what you just traveled.)
- Keep moving. Resist the urge to just plop down after crossing the finish line, says Lawton. Walk around for five or 10 minutes to let your muscles cool down. A little stretching is good, too.
- Grab a drink and snack. There’s usually a small end-of-race buffet of recovery drinks and snacks (Think water, bananas and granola bars.) Plan to nibble and refuel — but leave room for that big Thanksgiving dinner.
- Celebrate. Smile and laugh … a lot.
Turkey Trots are definitely healthy and fun. Want to know a secret? Any workout can follow that pattern if you make it both a social and fitness activity done with family and friends.
So, if you enjoyed the vibe of running, keep it going! Get a buddy to join you or look for a running club. The hardest part of starting a running program is the first step, and you took that with the Thanksgiving race. Learn how to keep moving forward with these Running 101 tips.
Want to try something else? Go for it! Get some friends and try:
- Walking. A mile is a mile whether you run or walk, right? Walking offers a host of health benefits, including reduced stress, lower cholesterol and weight loss.
- Cycling. Whether it’s on a trail or in a cycling studio, pedaling can boost your health and give you time to chat.
- Yoga. There’s a reason this meditative practice dates back thousands of years. Try it and you’ll learn why. (Use these tips to get started.)
- Weight lifting. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try strength training but are worried about fitting in at a gym. Starting a lifting program with a friend is a good way to overcome that obstacle.
- Trampolines. Remember how fun it was jumping up and down as a kid? It’s fun when you’re an adult, too — and it’s a great way to get exercise.
Bottom line? “It’s always easier to stick with a fitness routine if you’re doing it with someone else,” states Lawton. “Make exercise fun and a social event and there’s a better chance you’ll stick with it.”
So, maybe talk about ideas over Thanksgiving dinner. After you share the story of your morning race, of course.
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THE 5 MILE TURKEY TROT RACE SPECIAL!!! *race pr*
FAQ
Is it okay to walk the Turkey Trot?
How many miles is the Turkey Trot in Buffalo NY?
How many miles is the Turkey Trot in Detroit?
How many miles is the Dallas Turkey Trot?
How many people run a turkey trot a year?
In recent years, Turkey Trot participation across the country has continued to boom. According to Running USA, more than 961,882 people finished a trot in 2016, up from 684,334 in 2011, marking a more than 30 percent increase in five years.
How long is a turkey trot?
A warm-up gets your joints, muscles, and brain prepared and gets the blood flowing. Some dynamic (moving) stretches for your lower body will be great. Distance: The official Turkey Trot is eight kilometers or about five miles. Not everyone finished it in the original event, and you don’t have to either.
When was the first Turkey Trot held?
The first Turkey Trot was held on Thanksgiving Day in 1896 in Buffalo, New York. It was an eight-kilometer race hosted by the YMCA; six people participated, and only four finished. People have run the Turkey Trot every year since — through blizzards and pandemics — making it the oldest race in North America.
What is a turkey trot?
Turkey trots are footraces, usually of the long-distance variety, held on or around Thanksgiving Day in the United States. The name is derived from the use of turkey as a common centerpiece of the Thanksgiving dinner. A few races in the United Kingdom during the Christmas period are described as turkey trots.