Lexington Park
Turkey Trot
On Thanksgiving morning in the United States, a turkey trot typically signifies a local road race held before the evening meal, most commonly a 5K. This designation applies to hundreds of distinct events, not a single organized tour, and these races now occur in all 50 states, with Florida hosting the most. Some are certified USA Track & Field road races ranging from 5K to a half marathon, while others are casual fun runs from one mile to 5K. A few races held around Christmas in the United Kingdom share the name, as turkey is also associated with the holiday meal there.
The usual course involves simple road running, with the 5K comprising over 90% of events. Consequently, the participants generally include a mix of walkers, novices, club athletes, families, and individuals running to benefit a charity. Costumes are a common element, particularly full turkey attire, and Molly Seidel once achieved a speed record while costumed as a turkey at the Berbee Derby in Wisconsin. The Buffalo Turkey Trot, conducted annually since 1896, stands as the oldest recorded event of its kind, attracting approximately 14,000 participants each year. Thanksgiving racing also has a place in the history of longer American road races: Atlanta once featured a full marathon on the holiday before changing to a half marathon, and both Yonkers and Detroit initiated their marathons on Thanksgiving before relocating them.
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