The Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is a tradition that originated in Buffalo, New York in 1896. While they only had 6 runners that first year they stuck to it and now cap the race at 14,000 participants and sell out year after year. According to recent data from RunSignUp, one of the largest race registration platforms, over 920,000 people participated in a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots in 2023 and they are expecting near 1 million people to run this Thursday, making it the largest US running day of the year.
Why do people flock to run on thanksgiving? It is a fun way to start the holiday with family and friends. It will also help offset the number of calories consumed through out the day. The average American consumes between 3000 and 4000 calories on this particular holiday, so starting the day off with some exercise will help offset that number to a degree. Participating in a race on Thanksgiving Day is also a great way to express gratitude for ones own health and wellness.
The Calabash Turkey Trot will host nearly 2500 runners making it the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the Grandstand area and beyond along the coast. Participants coming to the area from 29 states and ranging in age from 2 to 87. There is a 10K, 5K and 1 Mile option or participants can take on the Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge and run all three to earn a bonus medal.
There are a couple of things that make the race in Calabash so special and while it is exciting to have runners from all over the country, Coastal Race Productions is determined to make a positive impact in Brunswick County, an area we’ve grown to love and call home.
One way we strive to do that is to host a food drive at all of our events to help stock local food banks. So far this year we have donated over 10,000 pounds of food. People are even more generous over Thanksgiving and we expect donations to be over the top this year. Coastal Race Productions kicked off the food drive by purchasing 500 pounds of rice and have challenged our participants to at least double that and I believe they will.
Another very special aspect of the Turkey Trot, it is the graduation event for a local programs called She Moves. This program is another Coastal Race initiative to make a positive impact in Brunswick County. It is a 10 week walking and/or running program for women who want to better themselves through movement. It is self-paced and all abilities are welcome – no experience required. This fall, 130 women registered for the program and have spent the last 10 weeks preparing and training for the Calabash Turkey Trot.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what you’re thankful for. Through experiences in running I’ve found victory over illness, I have conquered pain and the voices in my head that tell me I can’t. Sharing the joy of walking and running is something I’m very thankful for this season. If you’d like to get started walking or running and move in a positive direction I’d be honored to be part of your journey!
Email jojo@coastalraceproductions.com to share your journey or connect with us on Facebook @coastalraceproductions