Did you know the most popular day for running is Thanksgiving? This is according to the popular running app RunKeeper. It makes sense since local Turkey Trots and other fun runs have made us all athletes for the day!
Not only is participating in a Thanksgiving run fun, but you’ll burn a bunch of calories before you gobble down a big Thanksgiving dinner. You can bring the whole family or make friends once you arrive. Turkey costumes are always recommended.
Here are some Northwest Turkey Day runs to consider:
In Washington
Seattle Turkey Trot (9 a.m. – Seattle)
Friends and families gather at NW 85th Street and 32nd Avenue NW to start their walk, jog or run to beautiful Golden Gardens Park. The 3.1-mile (5K) route takes you through Ballard, Sunset Hill Park, and along the water for a casual, not-too-hilly workout. All proceeds from the race go to the Ballard Food Bank.
Tacoma City Turkey Trot (9 a.m. – Tacoma)
If you’re near Tacoma, head to the city’s Proctor District for this 5K run/walk, or a kids’ 1K. Awards are presented to the top finishers, but don’t worry – you can make this run as serious (or not so serious) as you want. Either way, you’ll have a blast running around downtown with your friends and neighbors.
Spokane (9-10:30)
The Bloomsday Road Runners Club is sponsoring a Thanksgiving day dash to benefit Second Harvest. The race is free but canned good or cash donations are suggested. It’s a casual race with no official time-keeping. Come and dash as fast or as slow as you like. Just please leave pets at home for safety reasons.
Portland
Turkey Trot at the Zoo (8 a.m. – Portland)
Sponsored by Columbia Bank and the Oregon Road Runners Club, this 4-mile, family-friendly fun run takes you on a moderate route from the World Forestry Center, around Washington Park and into the Oregon Zoo. There are also a diaper dash and tot trot for your little ones. Admission to the zoo is waived with registration, so you and your family can visit with the animals post-run as well. Proceeds from the event benefit the zoo.
If an organized race isn’t your thing, challenge the family to run a couple miles together!
