Each Turkey Trot begins with a spirit of warmth, community, and a little friendly competition on Thanksgiving Day. What started more than a century ago has grown into something much bigger than a footrace. Though the tradition has evolved, its heart remains firmly rooted in gathering people together to move, to give, and to celebrate.
Origins That Go Back More Than a Century
The story of the Turkey Trot stretches back to 1896, when the YMCA in Buffalo, New York, organized a humble 8-kilometer footrace on Thanksgiving morning. Only a handful of people ran, but the idea caught on.
Over the decades, more cities began their own Thanksgiving runs. The concept spread up and down the East Coast, appearing in places such as New Orleans, Pennsylvania, and Ohio by the early 1900s. As running as a recreational sport boomed in the 1970s and ’80s, Turkey Trots became increasingly popular, often leaning into the fun side with participants in costumes and walkers joining in the festivities.
Why Runners Dress as Turkeys — and Pilgrims
One of the most charming aspects of a Turkey Trot is the creativity. Runners don everything from turkey suits to pilgrim hats, sometimes even juggling or carrying quirky props. This playful atmosphere makes the race as much about celebration and community as it is about fitness.
That whimsical approach has become a signature for turkey trots across the country. What once began as a serious footrace for sport evolved into a festive holiday ritual — full of laughter, camaraderie, and shared memories.
The Role of Charity in Turkey Trots
Beyond the fun, these races often serve another essential purpose: giving back. Many Turkey Trots act as fundraisers, supporting local nonprofits, YMCAs, food banks, and community services.
That charitable focus helps turn a holiday run into a meaningful act of service. For some participants, it’s not just about burning calories before the feast — it’s a chance to help others in need.
Generational Connection Through Running
Over time, Turkey Trots have become a multigenerational tradition in many families. Parents bring their kids, siblings run together, and even grandparents lace up their shoes. Running on Thanksgiving Day offers a way to connect beyond the dinner table.
For many, it’s a ritual: the same friends and relatives gathering in the cool morning air, lining up at the start, cheering each other on — year after year. That continuity helps reinforce bonds and deepen a sense of belonging in a community.
Stories That Make Each Trot Unique
Some of the most memorable Turkey Trot moments involve the unexpected. There are tales of runners carrying canoes, dressing as turkeys, or sharing breakfast mishaps on course. There are even reports of record-setting attempts by people in full bird costumes.
These stories aren’t just entertaining — they become part of local lore, passed down in newsletters, on social media, or around the dinner table once the turkey has been carved.
Turkey Trots Near Des Moines, WA — Local Context
In western Washington, Turkey Trots are popular in the larger Seattle region. For example, the Seattle Turkey Trot offers 5K, 10K, and 15K options, and supports the Ballard Food Bank. While Des Moines, WA itself doesn’t appear to host a large signature Turkey Trot, the tradition is very much alive across nearby communities. According to a 2025 race calendar, there are multiple events in King County and the surrounding areas.
Why These Runs Matter to the Local Community
For people living in or near Des Moines, WA, participating in a regional Turkey Trot offers more than exercise. It’s an opportunity to come together — neighbors, friends, families — for a purpose larger than themselves. These runs strengthen community ties, boost local nonprofits, and inject joy into a busy holiday.
Even if someone is new to running or walking only short distances, the turkey trot format tends to be inclusive and welcoming. That makes it accessible for people of all ages and abilities, which is part of why the tradition continues to grow.
Tradition, Gratitude, and Movement
At its core, the tradition of Turkey Trots on Thanksgiving Day is about gratitude — for community, for health, and for the ability to make a difference. More than just a race, it’s a chance to turn a holiday into action.
Though run differently in every town, the shared experience — the early morning air, the laughter of costumed runners, the sense of crossing a finish line together — unites people. As more families and communities embrace these events, the tradition continues to evolve, but its spirit remains simple: giving, gathering, and celebrating together.
Turkey Trots have grown from a small YMCA race in Buffalo in 1896 into a nationwide Thanksgiving Day tradition. Over the years, they’ve become a way for families to connect, for communities to support charity, and for runners of all levels to celebrate festively.
In the Seattle area and around Des Moines, WA, those runs offer a meaningful and active start to the holiday. People can trade off stuffing for strides, all while doing good in their communities.
Whether you run, walk, or cheer someone else on, joining a Turkey Trot reflects the very values Thanksgiving represents: gratitude, generosity, and togetherness.
Sources: findarace.com, magnusonseries.org, aol.com, washingtonpost.com, redtablemeats.com, runnersworld.com, en.wikipedia.org
Header Image Source: aol.com
