Welcome!
With Thanksgiving on Thursday, hopefully, this is a short week for you. As most people know from Instagram, my cats ran between my legs last week, and I fell, hard, flat on my back. It was bad enough I thought I should get it checked out. Six hours in Urgent Care later, nothing came back. The doctor thinks it could range from a bad back spasm to something broken. As someone who lifeguarded for ten years and had back and spine problems drilled into me, I struggle to think it's *that serious* but it's better to be safe than sorry.
I'm sad not to run, of course, but I'm sadder to be in pain all of the time. Needless to say, I don't know I'll get to rejoin the Turkey Trotting this year. But anyway, this week's newsletter is fun and all about Turkey Trots.
My first running race ever was a Turkey Trot with my dad in 2009. So much to unpack there, but I’ll let the photo do all of the talking. Yes, I am wearing both a cotton shirt and cotton leggings. I didn’t run beforehand, and I didn’t run consistently until about two years later.
Did you know Thanksgiving is the most popular day for road races?
How did that happen?
The first Turkey Trot started with just six runners in Buffalo, New York, in 1896. Since then, Turkey Trots have become widely popular. The USA hosts over a dozen Turkey Trots every Thanksgiving. This holiday now boasts the largest number of runners and racers compared to any other day of the year. As many as 1 million or more individuals join in the festivities and run a Turkey Trot.
Most areas around the USA have some sort of Turkey Trot. Turkey Trots are so popular there are even a few in the Mojave Desert near me. I thought it would be fun to look at some of the more popular ones.
Here are a Few of the Hundreds of Turkey Trots around the States:
Atlanta Track Club Thanksgiving Half
I won’t lie; this is a Half Marathon I've always wanted to do. (Travel to Atlanta around Thanksgiving, not as much).
Buffalo Niagara YMCA Turkey Trot (Buffalo, NY)
You have to include the first one, right? The Buffalo Niagara YMCA Turkey Trot is the oldest running race in North America. Fun fact: there was a record-breaking snowstorm in 2002, and it was still held.
Proceeds from the Buffalo Niagara Turkey Trot help make YMCA programs and services accessible to people in the community who cannot afford them.
Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot (Dallas, TX)
The Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA, Turkey Trot event, hosts about 50,000 people -almost as many as the New York City Marathon! There is an 8-mile race and 5k.
Fun fact: In 2011, it set a world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as turkeys. I wish I had known!
Feast and Feathers Trail Half-Marathon/10K/5K (Omaha, NE)
There aren’t many trail Turkey Trots, but the Feast and Feathers offers this, and even a free kids trot for those who donate five cans of food.
The 2018 donation from the Feast and Feathers Races to Food Bank for the Heartland totaled $24,000 and 1,452 pounds of food!
Manchester Road Race (Manchester, CT)
The Manchester 5 Mile Road Race is one of New England’s most famous road races and the largest race in Connecticut. Over 15,000 runners compete, and it’s said there are over 20,000 spectators.
Run to Feed the Hungry (Sacramento, CA)
With over 29,000 runners between the 5k and 10k, this is one of the largest Turkey Trot events in the country.
All profits directly benefit Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS), a local, non-profit agency serving neighbors in need and providing free emergency goods and services.
Run for the Diamonds (Berwick, PA)
I've heard of people winning turkeys and pies at Turkey Trots, but diamonds? The top 7 males and females win diamond rings and diamond pendants. That might be worth the trip!
Silicon Valley Turkey Trot (San Jose, CA)
There is a 5k, a 10K, as well as kids’ runs. It sounds like one of the most competitive Turkey Trots out there. Many professionals are known to attend, including Steph Bruce toeing the line.
From the race: $8.7 million donated directly to local charitable programs, 2.9 million pounds of food to feed hungry families, and 3,738 individuals placed into affordable housing!
Dana Point Turkey Trot:
The Dana Point Turkey Trot is so old, the URL is turkeytrot.com. It was established in 1977 and now hosts 11,000 runners. It's one of the most scenic turkey trots with views of the Pacific Ocean.
Fun Fact: It benefits the Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934!
Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam Turkey Trot (Las Vegas, NV)
This seems like a fun and unique idea for a race, Turkey Trot or not. As the name implies, you run through six tunnels to Hoover Dam. There is a 12K, 5K, and 1-mile.
Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot (Detroit, MI)
If you are looking for races with the catchiest names, this is it! This Trot is home to the “mashed potato mile” and “drumstick double,” which includes a 5k and 10k. Over 21,000 runners compete in this Turkey Trot.
Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot 10k (Virginia Beach, VA)
The Tidewater Striders Turkey Trot has been around for 42 years! About 1500 runners line the streets and race around the neighborhoods and the infamous Mount Trashmore.
Why is this in the newsletter? It was my first ever race in 2009 (photo at the top). My dad ran alongside me because he was injured. We ran about 1:06:00 - it was the only race I ran that year.
Of course, whether you choose to run a Turkey Trot or not will not impact your status as a “runner” – it’s perfectly fine if they aren’t your scene. Anyone is welcome to celebrate the holiday of giving thanks in any way they prefer.
What is keeping me entertained?
The new carbon plated: Hoka Bondi X Shoe Review
Crash Polartec 2.0 Tights and Crash Polartec 2.0 Jacket Review My favorite warm weather gear?
Hiking Up Mt. Wilson Starting our SoCal peaks challenge.
This is what happened when I consistently showed up for myself. -Erin Azur
You can also learn about Erin Azur on the Ali on the Run Podcast
For Gabby Thomas, Olympic Medals are a Means to an End
The Men’s NCAA DI Cross Country Championship Finish
If you are enjoying the newsletter series, I appreciate you sharing. Sharing helps new people discover it!
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I lived in the town next to Manchester, CT for the first 20 years of my life and never ran that race. Of course, I didn't even begin running seriously until 8 years later. Now I look back and think I missed out on something really fun. And it's true about the number of spectators; it rather incredible that that many people watch the race in person.
I live in a suburb of Milwaukee, WI. And, yes, I was able to do a trot this year. It's called the Drumstick Dash 5K and starts and finishes at the Milwaukee Brewers stadium. I choose this one each year because it benefits Feeding America.