Turkey Trot Race

In this article, Elizabeth talks about the annual Thanksgiving race hosted by the YMCA.

TURKEY TROT RACE

By: Elizabeth Dugan

The Turkey Trot is a race that is generally broken up into either two-mile or 5K segments and takes place around Thanksgiving Day. Many places also host a series of races over the course of the month and donate the funds from the participation fees to various charities, in the name of giving back. The Turkey Trot has become widespread across the whole nation, and even Grants Pass has hosted its own trot annually since 2013.

The Turkey Trot is an age-old tradition that started in New York City all the way back in 1896. It originally started as a small gathering of about six friends who wanted to connect with other community members during this season of giving by running in the nippy chill of November fog. The Wells News states, “Six people participated, and only four finished. People have run the Turkey Trot every year since— through blizzards and pandemics— making it the oldest race in North America.” The Turkey Trot grew in popularity across the country in quick succession, with more participants showing up every year. The Turkey Trot used to only allow men to participate, excluding women and children for almost a whole century until 1972. Now, 50 years later, according to the race data website Run Signup, the number of female participants overcrowds the male participants-- 53% to 45%.

U.S Marine Corps annual Turkey Trot Race from Narva and Dvids Public Domain

As the Turkey Trot race grew nationally, so did the reasons for participating. Many companies, like the YMCA of Orange County and Dana’s Point Women Society, now donate all their profits from the Turkey Trot races they organize to food banks to combat hunger. The more folks who run, the more money is donated to people in need, and so participating has become a way to give back. According to Run Signup, over 3.6 million dollars was donated across the nation from just Turkey Trot participation fees.

Image of YMCA logo by YMCA Camp Cullen

The Grants Pass YMCA hosts its own Turkey Trot races in November. It is vital in sustaining the GP’s community center because the participation fee from the Turkey Trot races is used to fund the bountiful programs the YMCA offers to everyone, like their food assistance and cooking program. This is true of Grants Pass’ local Turkey Trot races, which will happen on Thanksgiving Day-- Nov. 27 at 8:30 am. Individuals and families can register for the race up until Nov. 9 and possibly even up to Nov. 26 if they are willing to pay an extra $10.

This tradition has helped millions nationwide by simply exercising in a group. So, get involved in this great history of celebration and giving back to the community by signing up for the Turkey Trot fun race.

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