Local Turkey Trots have made the holiday themost popular racing day of the year.
And no, its not just because trotters want to feel better about their forthcomingafternoon feast.
(PSA: You dont have to earn your pie, holiday or not.)
We spoke to some devoted Turkey Trotters about their Thanksgiving running memories and what the tradition means to them.
I had four small children and running was my me time.
Thanksgiving always reminds me of that beautiful, crisp day at the lake.
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After that year, I have been committed to running every Thanksgiving with friends and family.
We get some pretty big-name runners showing up.Bill Rodgersusually comes.
I think Matt Damon ran it one year.
Weve hadJoan Benoit Samuelsonrun it a bunch of timesshe usually wins.
I think thats when I started thinking of myself as a runner.
It was the beginning of everything.
Ashley Shapiro
Charlotte, North Carolina
I started running Turkey Trots around 2012 with my brother.
So we did it for a few years, and then he passed away.
My mom and I decided to carry on the tradition.
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The first few years were really rough, and wed just walk.
But it would still give us something to look forward to and a way to honor him.
Being an immigrant, I was curious and willing to experience new traditions.
I realized it was more than a race.
We were living outside of Dallas at the time and I was in high school.
It was eight miles, and the longest race Ive ever run.
I have not been able to get back to eight miles since!
Doing the Turkey Trot helps me feel like Im doing something healthy to start the day.
And of course its all about the shirt!
Since then, weve made it an annual tradition.
We both listen to our own music and eventually run at our own pace.
I joke that Im a somewhat terrible runner who just loves to run.
Zero pressurejust cross the finish line.
I love seeing everyone dressed up.
The Surfside Rotary Turkey Trot starts and finishes at the Surfside Beach Pier.
I love starting Thanksgiving by the ocean surrounded by my running friends and boyfriend.
Its such a great way to begin the holiday.
The Turkey Trot was the first place I did that, and I was really happy.
I got to tease him about it all day.
Many of them have fundraising that goes to supporting Thanksgiving meals.
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