Thanksgiving may be about family, food and football; but a new tradition has emerged in America. Running.
There were plenty of Turkey Trots across the nation and here in Central Florida Thursday.
It may not be hard to guess why Thanksgiving, according to Running USA, is now the most popular holiday to run, surpassing the 4th of July and New Year’s.
First, it’s a great way to make room in the belly before stuffing your face with stuffing and turkey.
“This is my first year running the turkey trot, but we thought it would be a fun way to burn some calories before we eat a lot this afternoon,” said Shannon Dunne, Gainesville.
Second, where else can you dress up and get in the Thanksgiving spirit? From pilgrims and Indians, to adorable little turkeys and even a ear of corn. It’s fun, even if the costumes aren’t that aerodynamic.
“Is it going to be difficult to run in this? Absolutely not, this turkey has been training all year,” said Stefan Andrede, New York.
And third, Turkey Trots bring out the best bird callers around who are not afraid to give it their all, just for a trophy. And so that’s why more than 5,500 people got up early Thanksgiving morning, for the 25th Annual Turkey Trot in Downtown Orlando.
“I think it’s a great tradition and it makes eating later a little bit less guilty -- no I’m just kidding -- it’s fun getting out and doing something first thing in the morning,” said Lauren Cardenans, Colorado.
While the Turkey Trot is all about good old fashioned Thanksgiving Day fun, it’s also for a good cause. Seniors First raises $180,000 every year from the Turkey Trot. It’s their largest fundraiser of the year.
“We do meals on wheels, congregate meals, we do in home services and basically our goal or mission is to keep seniors independent their own homes for as long as possible,” said Marsha Lorenz, Seniors First president & CEO.
So while many get the turkey in the oven, others go shopping and some watch the tube, for many now, Thanksgiving is about lacing up, and running for fun and a good cause.