5 reasons to sign up for a turkey trot

Running a turkey trot (a road race that occurs on Thanksgiving) is a great way to get moving before settling in for a day of watching football and feasting on your favorite dishes. Here are five reasons to go for it this year.

1. You could use the exercise. Did you know that the average American consumes 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving? And that doesn’t include drinks or dessert, which can add another 1,500 calories! A turkey trot will help you burn off at least a portion of what you consume.

2. You don’t take yourself too seriously. When else will you have the opportunity to run a race while dressed as a turkey or a pilgrim? Some races even dole out a prize for best costume.

3. You want to give back to the community. Most turkey trots are fundraisers for a particular charity or cause.

4. You’d like to win your dinner. Participants in some races will win a turkey for finishing the race first.

5. You’re big on tradition. Believe it or not, the first turkey trot was held in Buffalo, New York, in 1896. Since then, the tradition has spread across the country to make Thanksgiving the most popular race day in the country.

Whether you choose to run a mile or a full marathon, a turkey trot is a great tradition to adopt this Thanksgiving.