To Turkey Trot, Or Not To Trot, That Is the Thanksgiving Question
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It’s almost time for the annual tradition of running or walking off some of the massive amounts of calories one plans to take in on Thanksgiving Day. Some people do this for health purposes, and others do it to raise awareness and funds for the organization of their choice — or a combination of both. I’m of course referring to the Turkey Trot, which, if I’m being honest, even when I was a runner, I’ve never been particularly motivated to do.
I did a Turkey Trot in Washington DC when I lived there, and it was super inspiring and fun, and I felt great about myself all day, but since then I’ve really tended toward the cooking, then hanging-around-eating-and-drinking-all-day kind of Thanksgiving vibe, and I feel great about that. But to each their own. Let’s not shame each other about how we spend our holidays. If a Turkey Trot is your thing, the North Texas area has plenty to choose from, and lots of worthy organizations to support this year through your participation.
Plano Turkey Trot
Time & Date: Thursday, November, 28 @ 9 a.m.
Location: Oak Point Park, 2801 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074
Distance: 5K and 1K Fun Run
What’s Special: Run Oak Point Park and raise funds for The Source of Hope, a local Plano non-profit that provides hope, wellness, and education to individuals and families in need. Every participant will receive a donut from Hypnotic donuts at the end of the race.
Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot
Time & Date: Thursday, November, 28 @ 8:30 a.m.
Location: Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla Street
Distance: 5K, 8-mile, and Fun Run
What’s Special: Dallas’ largest Thanksgiving Day race, the YMCA has been putting on this Turkey Trot downtown for over 55 years, and the race draws around 10,000 runners. All proceeds go directly to the Dallas Metropolitan YMCA. Lots of folks dress in costume, so feel free to glam it up! And the first 750 dogs to cross the finish line receive a medal!
Fort Worth
Time & Date: Thursday, November, 28 @ 8 a.m.
Location: The Shops at Clearfork, 5188 Monahans Ave, Fort Worth, TX
Distance: 5K, 8-mile, and 1K
What’s Special: All proceeds of Fort Worth’s YMCA Turkey Trot go toward scholarships for families in the Fort Worth community. This year marks the 43rd annual running of the race which draws around 13,000 runners each year.
Scheel’s North Texas Turkey Trot
Time & Date: Thursday, November, 28 @ 8:15 a.m.
Location: Downtown Frisco
Distance: 5K, 10K, and 1 mile
What’s Special: The City of Frisco and sponsor Scheels encourage you to “Run First, Eat Later,” this year, benefitting the Miracle League of Frisco. This amazing organization offers baseball, soccer, basketball, football, bowling, and track for North Texas kids with special needs.
Irving Turkey Trot
Time & Date: Thursday, November, 28 @ 9 a.m.
Location: Toyota Music Factory, 316 W Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX
Distance: 5K, 8-mile
What’s Special: Run beautiful Lake Carolyn and Las Colinas urban center while supporting the Irving Schools Foundation. Stay for the after-party at Toyota Music Factory and kick off your Thanksgiving Day with a bang. Awards will be given for best times by age group as well as best costumes.
Fast & Furriest Turkey Trot
Time & Date: Thursday, November, 28 @ 9 a.m.
Location: Raider Stadium, 222 Collins Rd, Sunnyvale, TX
Distance: 5K, 1-mile
What’s Special: This fun Turkey Day race benefits the Sunnyvale Animal Shelter, which is a no-kill municipal animal shelter committed to finding homes for every animal through adoption and fostering. All participants receive a T-shirt and a participation medal. Costumes and pets are obviously welcomed and encouraged.
After checking out some of the details on these, I’m starting to feel kind of motivated! Most of the races have an option for every level: like a 1-mile or “Fun Run” for beginners or young kids. I may have to get up and take the dogs out and try to capture that accomplished Thanksgiving feeling again this year. I’ll let you know how it goes.
If you know about another neighborhood or town Turkey Trot, let us know in the comments!
