Thanksgiving promotes a surge in the running community with people dressed up in costumes and festive outfits to participate in the popular tradition of Turkey Trots. This event is associated with the purpose of burning calories before the holiday feast, while also incorporating fundraising for local charities and food banks. It also promotes community spirit as it brings people together under the shared holiday event and festive environment. The inclusive atmosphere encourages people of all ages and abilities to race and take part in the fun activity. 

I personally am all for Turkey Trots, though I may be a little biased as I am a runner. However, I believe it benefits people in many different ways, including the physical aspect with prompting people to get exercise, the social aspect with it being holiday-themed and a fun event that brings the community together, inclusive aspect in which people of all abilities and goals can participate as it can be taken as seriously as a person deems and the fundraising aspect as people can donate to charities and support a good cause. 

There was a variety of local Turkey Trots that consisted of different themes, races and charities. The International Leadership Academy (ILA) Turkey Trot hosted their event at Lakeridge High School where runners were expected to bring one can of food to donate to the local food pantry. West Linn put on a 3.8-mile trail race in Mary S. Young Park. The Oregon Road Runners Club (ORRC) had their event at the Oregon Zoo in which participants ran to the International Rose Garden and back in the standard 5k run/walk, or they also had the option of a separate “Tot Trot” and “Gobble Gallop” for kids. There was also a 5k and 10k run/walk Turkeython at Bridgeport Village where all the proceeds went to benefitting the Clark County Food Bank. 

I love the concept of getting outside in the fresh air and not only improving physically with exercise, but also being able to help those who are less fortunate. It’s so valuable and important to support a higher cause and feels so rewarding because I’m not just running for myself. When I come together with my friends and a community that is centered around the giving season, it makes me realize how lucky I am to have the life I do and it allows me to be thankful for everything in life, including my ability to even be able to run. 

Even if a person isn’t an experienced runner or has never ran a 5k race, Turkey Trots are a great starting place and way to have a fun first race that doesn’t have any pressure with it. People are free, and encouraged, to dress up and indulge in all the festivities of the event to promote community involvement and holiday spirit while doing it all for a good cause. Due to some races requiring payment, it’s understandable that it could sway people from doing a trot, but they don’t even have to do an event if they didn’t want to, they could instead just go out on a run in your neighborhood on their own or with family and friends. This is what I’ve done in the past as it’s convenient, but I’m hoping I can do more official Turkey Trots as the atmosphere is a lot more festive and it’s a fun experience to have with my teammates. Whatever people choose to do, it’s a great chance to get exercise, build relationships with others and get into the holiday spirit.