Tallahassee's Turkey Trot tradition reunites friends, families on Thanksgiving
It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving and the Tallahassee Turkey Trot are just around the corner.
The One Mile race will start on Thanksgiving morning at 8 a.m. The remaining races go off at 8:30 a.m. Most runners, at least by my somewhat reliable guesstimate, report fall as the best time of year to run and to race. That makes Thanksgiving a great time for a race and the SouthWood State Office Complex the perfect place to be on Thanksgiving Day.
Summer’s slaps and punches begin losing their full force and soon those cool, crisp days under deep blue skies make running fun again.
It is a major theme every year. Thanksgiving Day and running (and walking) are meant for each other. It is true in Tallahassee, and it is true across the country. And Turkey Trot is designed to make sure families can be together without being stuffed all day. Most runners will see many friends and family members, some for the first time since the 2022 Turkey Trot.
The race has been a big social event as well as a perfect opportunity to walk, run and race. This year’s races are on Nov. 23. The start and finish lines are designed to maximize the time together. You can even decide which race you want to run by carefully following directions for each race course.
The Turkey Gobbler 1-mile race – It starts everything off at 8 a.m. sharp. Like the other races it starts and finishes on Esplanade Way but slightly closer to Shumard Oaks Blvd. The course runs a big rectangle and there are no hills.
The Turkey Trot 5K (3.1 miles) – The 5K starts on Esplanade Way at 8:30 a.m. sharp. There is a hill on this course, but overall, it is a very fast course. It is also the biggest race. The course is primarily a loop on Grove Park Drive around Central Park Lake and finishes on Esplanade Way near the start.
The Turkey Trot 10K (6.2 miles) – The 10K race starts at the same place (Esplanade Way) and time (8:30 a.m.) as the 5K. It runs the same route as the 5K and the 15K for the first two miles.
The Turkey Trot 15K (9.3 miles) – The 15K starts at 8:30 a.m. with the 5K and the 10K runners, but it is for the dedicated runner. It is a great race if you are ready to take on the challenge.
Again, all four races start on Esplanade Way (4055) between Merchants Row and Shumard Oak Blvd. Search for 4055 Esplanade Way for directions. Choose the one that fits your Thanksgiving Day schedule. Runners may change races any time during those first 2 miles as long as they are careful to run the entire race and do not knock anyone down.
Please no animals
The crowds are just too big. You owe it to your fellow runners to make the course safe for everyone. Runners approaching the finish line with a dog (other than a service dog) will not be allowed to finish the race. We also encourage runners to leave their head phones at home. You will enjoy the experience more.
We do ask that you choose the race distance you can finish before 10:30 a.m. so our volunteers have the opportunity to get home at a reasonable time.
The best way to register is to visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Tallahassee/tallyturkeytrot
A wealth of information can also be found at tallyturkeytrot.com. Join us at Goodwood Museum & Gardens on Sunday, Nov. 19 from 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. for the Turkey Trot Festival which combines packet pick-up with an afternoon of music, exhibitors, and fun.
Packet Pick-up will also be available at Premier Health & Fitness on the following days:Monday, Nov. 20 – 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.Tuesday, Nov. 21 – 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.Wednesday, Nov. 22 – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thanksgiving is also considered as a time to share with those who have less. This year’s races provide support for the following groups. You can make direct donations to these groups when you register, and you will also have the option to give a little more and be a Turkey Trot Hero.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Big Bend
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Big Bend offers after-school and summer programs for more than 1,000 kids at four Club locations in Gadsden and Leon Counties. After-school programs run four to five hours per day, Monday through Friday. Some Clubs also offer full-day summer programs.
The Kearney Center
The Kearney Center is a one-stop-shop for individuals experiencing homelessness or economic hardship in the North Florida region. The most basic needs (such as a warm shower, hot meal, and clean clothes) are provided alongside information and referrals to a variety of social service agencies in our community. The Turkey Trot races have supported The Shelter, and now the Kearney Center, for over 25 years.
The Refuge House
For over 30 years, Refuge House has been the voice of hope for victims of domestic and sexual violence in our community. Women, children and men escaping violent homes, or dealing with the trauma of abuse, rape, etc. find comprehensive Refuge House services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Hope to see you on Thanksgiving morning!
David Yon is addicted to running. In his spare time, he is an attorney with the Radey Law Firm.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Families and friends reunite for Tallahassee Turkey Trot tradition
