We’re Thankful For Running! How The Turkey Trot Became The Biggest Day Of Running In The US

Thanksgiving is the biggest day of the year for running in the US, with over one million people expected to take part in an organised Turkey Trot. 

According to RunSignup, in 2023 more than 920,000 people signed up for a Turkey Trot in one of 833 races. The popularity of these runs is growing quickly: that’s an increase of over 300,000 people compared to 2021 when there were 640 runs, and there are already more Thanksgiving runs organised for 2024 compared to 2023. 

In 2023 there were Turkey Trots in every US state, with 11 states having over 30 organised runs. The runs attract a lot of people: there were 249 with more than 1,000 participants, and several had more than 10,000 participants, including those in Austin, Buffalo, Silicon Valley, Detroit and Sacramento. 

Just over half of Turkey Trotters are female, and it’s a whole family affair with 20% of participants under 18 and 23% over 50. And all together Turkey Trots raise around $2million for charity each year. 

WHAT IS A TURKEY TROT?

A turkey trot, a gobble wobble, a drumstick dash, a Thanksgiving run, whatever you call them, they are popular all around the US, and have become a tradition for many families. That tradition has developed over the years, with increasing numbers of runs being organised all around the US, so now Turkey Trots are many families begin their Thanksgiving celebrations.

There’s no set distance for a Turkey Trot, though the majority – 84% of them in 2023 – have a 5km/3 mile option. Almost 20% had a 1 mile option, and there were lots of runs between two miles and 10km. There are a few half marathons, but Turkey Trots tend to be shorter to make them more accessible for families and runners of all abilities, and to leave plenty of time to get home to prepare dinner!

A lot of runners will take part in fancy dress (turkey costumes are surprisingly popular, and many have a best costume prize), and while most are fun runs, there are still competitive runners at the front of the packs aiming for fast times. But with generous cut off times, there’s no pressure on running and most allow people to walk the full distance.

The oldest continuous Thanksgiving run is the 8km YMCA Turkey Trot, first held in Buffalo in 1896 – it’s also the longest running race in the world. Up to 14,000 ‘trotters’ take part today. 

Did you take part in a Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving?

Image from RunSignUp.