The unique tradition of running in the freezing cold on Thanksgiving Day started further back than you would initially think. Being slightly older than the Boston Marathon, which started way back in 1897, the Turkey Trot started in 1896 making it 128 years old. The newfound tradition was started by the YMCA in Buffalo, New York, and has now spread all over the country, and the world.
Multiple variations of the Turkey Trot were hosted throughout Michigan with different distances available, like the Detroit Turkey Trot, which hosted 9576 people just for the 5k alone, hosting other races like the 10k and the mile. Junior Kara Boice ran her first Turkey Trot this year, entering the 5k called the Stuffing Strut with her friend Vanessa Skorski.
“I enjoyed the Turkey Trot because I got to run with my good friend Vanessa,” Boice said. “The spirit of everyone in the race was so fun, it helped me finish the race.”
A more local Turkey Trot was held in Stoney Creek Park called the Turkey Trail Trot and the Leftovers held over a span of two days. Similar to Boice, teacher Troy Hayes signed up for his first ever Turkey Trot, but running in the two mile with is children. Being with them made the event even more special.
“I especially enjoyed the race because my children were old enough to participate with me,” Hayes said. “The event was very well organized, and everyone was friendly.”
Senior Levi Clair also participated in the Turkey Trail Trot entering his first half-marathon. Placing third overall and second in his age group with a time of 1:25:56.6. Even though it was his first half-marathon, it definitely wasn’t his first race. Running on the varsity Cross Country team, he had many races under his belt, greatly preparing him for what lay ahead.
“I have never run a half marathon before and the only other time I ran a Turkey Trot was a 10k in Detroit,” Clair said. “The course overall was easy, but I struggled going up Mount Sheldon which you had to run up twice around the 8-mile mark and the 11-mile mark, making it a vital part of the race.”
No matter how long, or short, someone prepared for a Turkey Trot the gratifying feeling of receiving a medal makes everything worthwhile; even if that means pushing off Thanksgiving feasts, and that feeling has been felt by many runners who have entered the Turkey Trot over the past 128 years.
