Somehow next week is already Thanksgiving, which means it will be time for food, family, and turkey trots! If you are signed up for a turkey trot you may be wondering what you got yourself into. Maybe you have never done a race before, or maybe you are a seasoned runner but you are used to going for PRs in every race. If you are looking to start your Thanksgiving morning by running a fun and successful turkey trot, check out these 6 tips to help you prepare and have a great race!
6 Tips for Running a Fun and Successful Turkey Trot
1. Prepare ahead of time
Make sure you know the logistics before heading to your race! Even though it may not be a huge event, there will likely be alot of other runners trying to figure out what to do on race morning. And since it’s Thanksgiving, you will want to make sure you will be done in time for any other plans you have that day.
2. Dress fun but also appropriately
Turkey trots are a great opportunity to dress up if that’s something you’re interested in! But also remember that you will be running, so you want to be comfortable. Be sure to factor in the weather too. Layers work great this time of year. You can also consider having a throwaway sweatshirt to wear at the start line.
3. Line up for your pace
I think that the start line is the trickiest part of a turkey trot. There are many new runners, including kids who start up front. Sometimes this leads to people in the front walking or getting boxed in. I’ve seem alot of kids do an all-out sprint for the first 100 meters and then stop to walk. It’s all good! Just know what your goals are an adjust accordingly. If you are fast and want to place or PR start all the way up front. If you’re running for fun, stay back a little bit and let the kids do their thing.
4. Have fun on the course
You will likely see some costumes and funny signs while you are running. Try to smile and wave and interact with other runners and spectators. Maybe even try to cheer on other runners who are newer to racing.
5. Try not to focus too much on your goals
It’s fine if you really want to run a certain time, but often turkey trots are not the place to set a PR. Especially if you are newer to running, try to just enjoy the process. You can make a really broad goal if you want, like to only walk for x number of minutes or even a fun goal like that you will cheer on at least 10 other runners.
6. Enjoy the finish line
Hopefully after a successful race you can hang out for a bit and enjoy the finish line. You may want to try to have extra clothes to put on if it’s cold. For small races you can leave them in your car; bigger races may have a bag check. Congratulate other runners and be sure to take some pictures! Then go home and enjoy a nice Thanksgiving with family or friends.
Turkey trots are a great way to start out Thanksgiving. Make the most of it by having fun and not worrying too much about goals. You will probably find that most of the other runners are just there to have fun too!
You may also like:
6 Tips for Preparing for a Virtual Race
Top 7 Racing Mistakes To Avoid As You Return to Running Races
Will you be running a turkey trot this year?
Any tips for someone new to a turkey trot?
Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below! Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner and Runs with Pugs to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.
Oh, how I loved the Turkey Trot when we were in Naples, FL, at this time of the year!
It was a huge one with thousands of runners – and like you say, it was a bit messy at the starting line, so it’s a great idea to stand in front if you want to race, but to stand in the back if you just want to have fun.
Will you be doing one?
That one in Florida sounds like fun! I’ve done both big and small ones. The small ones are kind of nice because they are more low key. Im not sure if Im doing one this year because I might do a 5k over the weekend instead.
Great tips and I agree–just have fun with it! This will probably be the first year in a long time that I don’t do a Turkey Trot! There’s a two miler I could probably do, but I just don’t want to pay $30 to run 2 miles, lol.
Oh yea thats alot for 2 miles! Sometimes its hard to justify spending that much on 3 miles!
Yes. I always try to run one. This year the 10k.
Best tip is to just do it. You can squeeze in an hour even if you are cooking or traveling. Only excuse is that you are injured. You will enjoy the dinner after more.
They can be fun, but I think running on your own is a great option too. Sometimes they can be expensive especially when its just 3 miles. And with little kids sometimes it more work than its worth to get to a race!
This year marks our 10th annual Turkey Trot in my town, so you bet I’ll be out there trotting with the rest of the flock. We had to make it virtual last year, so it will be great to have it live on the streets again!
Thats exciting that you will be able to participate again! Sounds like fun!
yes, I love my turkey trots! You are right that lining up appropriately is key as there are lots of novices out there. I also like to keep these more casual pace wise and just have fun
They really can be fun events. I feel like all the runners are just in a better mood on Thanksgiving.
I won’t be running a Turkey Trot this year. I’ve only run a couple in the past but I always run my neighborhood…gotta make room for pie.
I always run on Thanksgiving but I’ve only done a few races as well. Sometimes its just easier to run on your own! There were also years I was training for a marathon so I used Thanksgiving morning to get in a long run.
Yes! Yes! I’m running a turkey trot! Your tips are really good. It’s definitely not a race to shoot for a PR- it will be too crowded, with inexperienced runners (and walkers.) You don’t want to end up mad at everyone- that’s not very holiday-ish!
Luckily I don’t have to worry about that, as I’m about as far from PR shape as I could possibly be. I’ll just be out there having fun.
Thats exciting that you will be running one! Its really a great opportunity to just have fun and be around other runners.
I’ve only had a couple of years — when I was hosting Thanksgiving! — when I had time to run a turkey trot. There are many in this area! I always went to one that was small & free. 🙂 The logistics were really easy & that one was also relatively close, which is why I could squeeze it in.
Great tips, Lisa!
There actually aren’t too many around here, and none that are free! (That I know of). Its fun when it works out but some years its just easier to run on my own.
Turkey Trots are awesome. I’m passing this year: the one by my house isn’t taking place, so I can choose to drive 30 minutes and run a 5K on my own, or sleep in a little and run five miles in my neighborhood with my friend.
We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here but I love seeing all the Turkey Trot photos on my timeline!
I’ve never actually raced a turkey trot! Hopefully some year I will.
Great tips!
I won’t be doing a Turkey Trot this year as they are unknown outside the US. However, I always enjoyed it when we were in Naples, Florida!
Will you be doing one this year?
This is my favorite day to run and thanks for the tips.
Even if you travel you can make time and locate a race where you are.
Enjoy your day.
We are hosting an MRTT turkey trot of our own this year. Can’t wait to pull out the Turkey pants
I love seeing everyone dress up on my timeline!
I am trotting in a whole new state and have ZERO idea what to expect LOL. I’m sure it will be great, even if it s hilly and mountainous!