WASHINGTON — Thanksgiving Day may be a time to scarf down stuffing, turkey and pies, but before you do, think about participating in one of the many “turkey trot” races in the D.C. area. Many offer a great way to give back, or help you burn calories before binging on the bird.
Here are three popular races in the D.C. area. — all are still accepting race registration. Click through the gallery above for more race details.
DC
15th Annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger
Kick off your Thanksgiving Day by running by the Capitol for the The Trot for Hunger in D.C.
The race, which starts at Freedom Plaza, raises money for So Others Might Eat — a nonprofit that helps fight poverty. The proceeds from the 5K go toward SOME’s services — including food, health care, clean clothing, job training and more, said Rebecca Potts-Dupre, spokeswoman for the organization.
“It’s a really, really wonderful way to start off your Thanksgiving Day. Your participation gives back to our local community, and I just think it’s a beautiful way to give back before sitting down to a meal with your family,” Potts-Dupre said of the race which expects 10,000 participants this year.
It’s a good race for all types of participants, she said — whether you’re competing to get a personal record on this flat course or want to take a leisurely stroll with friends and pets. The race even offers different prices based on whether you want to be timed or not.
Virginia
41st Annual Turkey Trot 5-Miler
The Alexandria Turkey Trot turns up the heat before the Turkey Day cooking even begins.
The five-mile Thanksgiving Day race, with an expected 6,000 participants, is “definitely the most competitive [race] every year,” said race director Brian Danza.
“We always have probably the fastest runners in the entire area,” he said.
Part of the proceeds from the race through downtown Del Ray go to ALIVE!, the Alexandria food bank. Canned goods are collected in the days leading up to the race, too.
Maryland
34th Annual Bethesda Turkey Chase
Traditions are a huge part of the Thanksgiving celebration. Traditions also are a big part of the Turkey Chase — an event made up of several races in Bethesda on Thanksgiving Day.
“It’s like a reunion, with everyone getting together,” said Carla Larrick, vice president of operations at the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington/Bethesda-Chevy Chase. “They work out and then feel good about eating the big Thanksgiving dinner that comes later in the day.”
The race, in its 34th year, is steeped in tradition, but offers something new to its participants this year: a 1K race for anyone who wants to “sprint” the distance, Larrick said. There are 10K, 2-mile and “tot trot” races, too.
The proceeds from the race to toward charities selected by the B-CC Rotary Club, the event’s other organizer and sponsor. Also, the YMCA gives its money to those in need of scholarships for its services and programs, and also to its youth and family services.
About 9,000 people are expected to participate in the events and about 350 volunteers help the event run smoothly — including three larger-than-life turkeys who lead the pack.
