Photo Courtesy ZoneCreative/Fotolia
I am fond of saying that I will never marry into a family that runs on national holidays—I’m planning on sticking to that. However, if running a morning race with some of your favorite people brings a smile to your face and joy to your heart, I’m happy for you! I’ll be waiting for you at the finish line with a big piece of pumpkin pie. From 5Ks to 10Ks, here are three Thanksgiving Day races you should look into this year:
St. Paul Turkey Trot
Taking place along the Mississippi waterfront in downtown St. Paul, the St. Paul Turkey Trot offers 10K and 6K races beginning at 7:30 and 8 a.m. respectively. Besides receiving a long sleeve tee shirt to commemorate finishing the race, runners will also be given a cup of egg nog at the finish line—a perfect beginning to the feast you’re sure to eat later in the day. turkeytrotsaintpaul.com
Life Time Turkey Day Minneapolis 5K
This year, Life Time Turkey Day 5K is celebrating 30 years. Besides the 5K, enjoy food and drink specials (including a Bloody Mary bar) at Cowboy Jacks. If you have teenagers ready to tackle their first 5K, check into the Youth 5K for aspiring runners 17 years old and under or, for the wee little ones, look into the Plymouth Rock Ramble for kids aged 2–12. turkeyday-5k.com
Drumstick Dash
Taking place around Lake Harriet, Drumstick Dash offers a racing event for everyone. Try the Pi Run, which is just one lap around Lake Harriet (a little bit more than a 5K at—you guessed it—3.14 miles), give the Cranberry Cruise One Mile (and Cranberry Kids Half Mile) a go, or if you’re really feeling motivated, the Drumstick Dash 10K, which circles Lake Harriet twice. Get your whole family involved with the family team challenge—awards go to the families that recruit the largest group. drumstickdash10k.com
