We are now well into the month of November and those big fall races are winding down. For most runners, this means switching gears into easy, off-season fun runs. The most notable one of them all is the Turkey Trot!
The first known Turkey Trot took place on Thanksgiving Day in 1896 in Buffalo, New York. Organized by the local YMCA, this inaugural event featured just six participants (all men, of course) who ran an 8-kilometer cross-country course. Remarkably, only four of those runners completed the race. Despite its modest start, the event quickly gained traction and the race in Buffalo has continued annually, making it the oldest continuous footrace in North America, this year marking its 129th edition of the race.
By the early 1900s, other cities began to catch on to this festive race. Cities like New Orleans and Cincinnati started hosting their own Turkey Trots, contributing to a growing national trend. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that significant changes began to take place regarding participation demographics. The first known woman to participate in a Turkey Trot did so in 1972, marking a pivotal moment in these events. As more women joined the races throughout the decade, it set the stage for a Turkey Trot boom in the 1980s. Families began participating together, often donning creative costumes that enhanced the festive atmosphere of these races.
Today, Thanksgiving is recognized as the biggest running day of the year in the United States. In 2022 alone, nearly 800,000 participants took part across almost 1,000 Turkey Trots nationwide. These events have transformed into family-friendly gatherings that focus on fun and community involvement rather than competition. In the valley, I have had folks come into the shop, claiming not to be runners, prepping for the only run they will run all year, the Turkey Trot. The combination of exercise, family involvement, and charity work has solidified its place as a beloved Thanksgiving activity across generations.
The Turkey Trot's transformation from a small local race into a national tradition is marked by its historical significance, community engagement, and evolving cultural practices that make it a highlight of Thanksgiving celebrations. Whether you’re running for fun or walking with family, participating in a Turkey Trot is a fantastic way to kick off your holiday festivities while embracing health and community spirit.
If you’re interested in making this a part of your Thanksgiving tradition, you will not have to drive too far as we have several local options in the valley to choose from!
- Staunton: VCAC Club at Ironwood Turkey Trot Run/Walk, 5k & 1 miler
- Waynesboro: Waynesboro Family YMCA Turkey Trot, 5k & 1 miler
- Harrisonburg: Rocktown Turkey Trot, 4 miler
- Lexington: Lexington Gobble Wobble 5k
Go gobble, gobble get 'em!