A Turkey Trot is a fun run or footrace, usually of the long-distance variety, that is held on or around Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Americans anticipate indulgent Thanksgiving feasts and run in Turkey Trots to burn off calories before the big meal.

The Carlisle YMCA’s Turkey Trot has grown in the past few years, leaving last year’s sign ups the highest it has ever been.  According to the YMCA’s website, the popular 10K run will not be held “due to the increased number of participants and for [the] safety [of all participants].”  However, the 5K run/walk will still be held on Nov 27 at 9 am, starting and finishing at the Carlisle YMCA’s 311 S West Street location.

“Running in the Turkey Trot every year has become a family tradition,” said junior Brooklynn Ashby. “My whole family comes to my house a few days before Thanksgiving to hang out and catch up. We end up going to the start of the race, running together, then coming back home and cooking together. It’s a bonding thing we do, I guess.”

The Turkey Trot offers something for everyone. People of all ages are asked to come out and enjoy a great morning.

Participants are also asked to bring a can of green beans to packet pickup or to the race to support Project SHARE.

“Everyone who donates will be entered to win a free massage, personal training session, or reiki session.  Three winners will be selected,” as described on the YMCA website.

Yet some people look at the Turkey Trot as a waste. They think just because they don’t run all the time, they can’t do it. But that is not true.

Senior Regina Oyeson said, “I am not a runner. But every Thanksgiving morning, I walk the 5k with my family and friends. It’s a great time!”

Memories are made each year.

Sophomore Lauren Clay said, “The Turkey Trot is a good way to spend your Thanksgiving morning. I love running in it because all my old cross country friends are there and we run together. I also get a chance to see old runners that are now in college, who come back for the holiday break.”

Some people don’t like to wake up early and ruin their day or what they consider to be a “waste” because to them, the point is to just eat and be thankful, not to exercise.

Jillian Ingram, a sophomore, said, “I would rather sleep in and then eat.”

Of course, not everyone is an early bird. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take one day out of your vacation to wake up and do something with your community.

The YMCA is promising that those participating this year can look forward to “more shirt options, increased refreshments, an Ask Me Team to answer race day questions, better water stop locations, and clearer mile markers.”  While prices differ for age groups, all participants five and under are free.

For more information, check out the YMCA’s website.