5 Virtual Turkey Trot Races To Keep Tradition Alive This Thanksgiving Day

Every Thanksgiving morning, my family gathers in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, to run the Turkey Day Run and “Wobble Gobble 5K.” It’s one of those traditions that feels just as essential to me as a plate full of stuffing and the “What are you thankful for?” conversation around the dinner table. But like so much else in 2020, that race will look much different than past years. On Thursday, many of the 1.17 million annual turkey trot runners will be logging their miles virtually with their masks on—but that doesn’t mean those five kilometers can’t be just as joyful as any other trot.

Thanksgiving is the most popular racing day of every year, and Peloton Tread Instructor Matty Maggiacomo says its magic will persist even amidst 2020’s challenges. Peloton will be hosting its own digital turkey trots (more on that below), and Maggiacomo says that this year, it’s about bringing people together through running. “Typically, [turkey-trotters] are people who just want to get out of the house and get away from the family for a little bit of time and center their mind before their you know before they’re around the Thanksgiving table,” he says. This year, it’s a little different: Those who aren’t spending the holiday with their family may want to make time to connect with others by logging that same distance they did last year.

If you’re looking to log mileage this Thanksgiving Day, I’m here to say that you have options galore. Many towns with yearly turkey trots have already announced virtual 2020 races that you can sign up for now. However, if you want to go with a national digital racing squad, we rounded up five of the best races to sign up for to get you out and running this Thanksgiving. Tradition is tradition, after all.

5 virtual turkey trot races to run this Thanksgiving

1. Strava Virtual Turkey Trot 5K and 10K

I get it: Sometimes, you get through the 5K and just want more. That’s why, this year, Strava’s giving you the option to double the distance so you can cruise on while listening to your favorite playlist. Although the Boston Road Runners organize this event, you can do it anywhere that you can find a 3.1- or 6.2-mile loop.

2. Gone for a Run: Run Now, Gobble Later

If you still want a medal to commemorate this year of racing, sign up for the “Run Now, Gobble Later” 5K. For $37, you’ll get a bib, hat, and medal delivered to your door so you can remember Thanksgiving 2020 for years to come. This trot also offers a one-mile race if you’re just getting into running or want to shoot for your fastest mile time yet.

3. Peloton Turkey Trot

On Thursday morning, Peloton will drop two guided, on-demand turkey trots that you can access straight from the app: a 30-minute turkey trot and a 45-minute one for those who want to go a little longer. Maggiacomo will be coaching the 30-minute version so that you can catch up with him (literally) in that recording. He says to expect a fun run that’s packed with story-telling, inspo, and, yes, togetherness.

4. NYCRuns Turkey Trot

New York City lovers can run the streets virtually with this race. Just register through the website, and don’t forget to snag the $20 commemorative t-shirt that makes for the best pajama top.

5. America’s Turkey Trot

America’s Turkey Trot has teamed up with Feeding America to ensure your entrance fee goes the extra mile this year. Sign up and choose whether you want a medal, hat, or sweatshirt—and log those kilometers with the knowledge that you helped others enjoy a Thanksgiving meal this year.

Run your mileage inside with this fast and fun treadmill workout:

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