If you think the only race that happens on Thanksgiving Day is seeing who gets a second helping of pumpkin pie first, guess again. Before lifting a fork, watching football, and taking a post-turkey snooze, hundreds of thousands of Americans start their holiday by running a turkey trot.

It all started on a cross-country course in Buffalo, New York, in 1896. The YMCA Buffalo Turkey Trot, now in its 123rd year, began as an 8-kilometer footrace with a whopping six competitors. According to the Buffalo YMCA, the Thanksgiving tradition is the longest consecutively run race in the world. The race is so popular, in fact, that it’s now capped at 14,000 competitors—some of whom travel from different countries just to participate.

Luckily, you don’t have to travel to Buffalo to participate in a Turkey Trot. As they have become a popular “move your feet before you eat” event, there are a few local Trots in which you can participate:

THE CHARLOTTESVILLE TURKEY TROT 5K: This event will take place on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022 at 9 am. The race will start on the front side of Albemarle High School, go through the local neighborhood of Lambs Rd. and Ivy Ridge Rd, and end at the high school track. It consists of flat stretches and mild rolling hills with a total elevation gain of 73 feet. See website for details and to register.

41ST ANNUAL BOAR’S HEAD TURKEY TROT: This Charlottesville tradition takes place on Thanksgiving Day at the Boar's Head Resort, and benefits the UVA Children's Hospital! There will be a staggered start of 30 seconds for four different pace levels. See website for details and to register.

RICHMOND 10K TURKEY TROT: This year’s 10K takes place at Bryan Park Thanksgiving morning. See website for details and to register.

Not into running? No problem. Last year we posted a blog called The Turkey Burner: A Thanksgiving Day Workout with some fun T-day exercises that are just as fun and beneficial to do in 2022 as they were in 2021!

Whether you trot or not, fitness on Thanksgiving day is always a good idea. Exercising before Thanksgiving dinner will create a huge metabolic demand, and ensure that your calories will go toward replenishing your energy stores, stopping muscle damage, and fueling muscle repair and growth.

From all of us at Success Studio, we are thankful for our clients, our staff, and for being able to help those who need us. Have a happy Thanksgiving!