Start Thanksgiving Day off on the right foot by gathering your running buddies, family, friends and neighbors to support a local turkey trot. Chasing down that turkey-costumed runner will make the candied yams and pumpkin pie taste that much sweeter on Thanksgiving. These five events, many of which benefit charities, promote the gratitude and family-centric celebrations of the season.
Thursday, Nov. 22:
Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot, Downtown San Jose
Now in its 8th year, the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot benefits Second Harvest Food Bank, Housing Trust of Santa Clara County, and Children’s Health Initiative of Santa Clara County. Runners can participate in any of the timed (5K and 10K) or non-timed categories (Mayor’s Cup Challenge, kid’s fun run, and costume contest).
Turkey Trail Trot 2012, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
A few turkeys, pilgrims and Native Americans will be up early for some preventative pound shedding at the 10th Annual Turkey Trail Trot in Golden Gate Park. This Thanksgiving run and walk benefits the Lowell High Track & Field Team. Runner registration is closed, but you can still get dressed up and come cheer on the costumed families running in the 5-Mile Turkey Trot, the 3-Mile Pilgrim Promenade (walk) and the smallest turkeys of them all in the 100 Meters Kid’s Gobbler Chase.
Jog Your Giblets Off — Turkey Day Run, Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco
Join family, friends and your community for the inaugural Life Time Turkey Day 5K, a quick run, jog or walk through the San Francisco's city center. More than just a healthy start to the holiday, the TD5K is a fun way to give back while you give thanks. Proceeds benefit the San Francisco and Marin Food Banks, and each runner is asked to bring a non-perishable food item to the starting line.
Friday, Nov. 23:
Trot Off the Turkey Trot by Fleet Feet Sports, Menlo Park
Fleet Feet Sports is putting on a fun 5K run around Menlo Park the day after Thanksgiving for those who want to work off that turkey dinner. Special Black Friday discounts on store merchandise will also be available for participants.
Turkey Trot 2012: 17th Annual Americana Music Feast, San Francisco
Don't want to run or walk? The 17th annual Turkey Trot 2012 features Grandma's homemade recipes such as "Southern-fried country rock with a pinch of honky-tonk dipped in the 1970s, creamy indie-rock covered in old-school twang, and bad-ass hillbilly murder ballads." Featured musicians include Colonel Jimmy, The Blackfish, Misisipi Mike, and the Midnight Gamblers.
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