Welcome!
There are only ten more issues until we complete a full year of newslettering!I’m grateful for each of the 1200 readers who have subscribed this year. My goal before Edition 52 is to get 1500 subscribers, so I would greatly appreciate it if you could share; whether it's to your parents or 1000 people – I appreciate it. Thank you!
Speaking of gratitude, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed quality time with your family and/or friends. My husband and I spent this Thanksgiving relaxing at home before a busy few days at work.
Some years, I run a Turkey Trot. It’s not necessarily a tradition, but I remember when I lived with my parents that my mom enjoyed getting us out of her way while she cooked the turkey. Each year, if I’m healthy, I’ll spend Thanksgivings seeing friends and running a Turkey Trot.
Did you know Thanksgiving is the most popular day for road races? How did that happen?
The first Turkey Trot was held in Buffalo, New York, in 1896. It started with just six runners. Nowadays, there are over 14,000 runners! Many of whom travel from different states and even countries, run in the Boston Turkey Trot.
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. In fact, some people only run Turkey Trots every year.
Most areas around the USA have some sort of Turkey Trot. If you are local to _insert your city here _, there was one on Thanksgiving in Medford, Moorestown, Woodbury, Haddonfield, and Merchantville. Haddonfield hosted on the Saturday following Thanksgiving as well. Needless to say, there are plenty of choices.
Similar to the World Record Issue a Few Weeks ago.
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 and be away from family, not so much).
Apparently, there also used to be a full marathon. Now the Atlanta Track Club Thanksgiving Half has a 5K, 1 mile and 50-meter dash in addition to the half.
Buffalo Niagara YMCA Turkey Trot (Buffalo, NY)
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 trails 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!
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 ten years ago. My dad ran alongside me because he was injured. We ran about a 1:06:00 - it was the only race I ran that year.
(I wish Triduo was still in business so I could buy this photo)
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?
Podcast: Clean Sport Collective: OCR Queen Amelia Boone
61-Year-Old Mariko Yugeta Becomes First 60+ Woman to Go Sub-Three
2019 NYC Marathon Week: Race Day Magic (Behind the scenes of some of those amazing NYC race photos you've seen!)
Documentary: Lindsey Vonn: The Final Season
Sport Suds Review: Last week's newsletter was about keeping your laundry clean. Since I've liked Sport Suds so much, I decided to write a review too.
Saucony Triumph 17 Shoe Review: High cushion trainer
Giveaway Winner:
The winner of the Sport Suds Laundry Detergent is Sarah B, who shared on Instagram. If you are interested, you can use the code FueledbyLOLZ and save 25%. Thank you to all who entered and shared!
Finally, Are you a Small Business Owner?
Next week, I want to put together a newsletter featuring small business owners. Whether you have running-related gear or not, I would love to include you. I’m looking for unique products or services to share!
(Even if you want to sponsor the newsletter for a giveaway item!) Just send me an email at FueledbyLOLZ@gmail.com
As always, thank you for reading, and if you have any comments, you can email me at FueledbyLOLZ@gmail.com. All feedback is helpful!
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