Even First Lady Michelle Obama, tireless crusader against childhood obesity, put her campaign on hold this time last year when Barbara Walters asked her in a Thanksgiving interview what one of her messages would be for Americans. “Don’t worry about how much you eat. Just enjoy it,” she said. “This is the time! Eat the pie! Eat the dressing.” We agree! So, what s the best way to lighten the load, so to speak, and get in a quick, fun workout before feasting? Turkey Trots: short races (most are under five miles) that start the morning of Thanksgiving and have you back in the kitchen in time to mash out the last lumps from your potatoes. Vogue’s Director of Communications, Megan Salt, is running one in Rhinebeck, New York, while Vogue.com Assistant Editorial Producer Andee Olson is running in Alexandria, Virginia. Here, more races kicking off across the country:
Boston, Massachusetts
The Boston Volvo 5K Road Race
The course, which weaves its way through Boston’s Brighton neighborhood, is sure to work up your appetite. Plus, it benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Charleston, South Carolina
Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble 5K
The largest 5K in the state starts and ends in historic downtown and culminates in a post-race party, with live music, a beer garden, and pre-feast treats.
Chicago, Illinois
Turkey Trot Chicago
More than five thousand participants fill Lincoln Park on chilly Thanksgiving mornings for this 8K run and walk; just one in a series of holiday races (it falls between the Trick or Treat Trot and the Rudolph Ramble).
Dallas, Texas
Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot
Ready for another example of why everything is bigger in Texas? Not only is the Dallas Turkey Trot the largest Thanksgiving race in the U.S., it’s also one of the oldest (in existence since 1968), attracting novice and elite runners alike.
Montauk, New York
Montauk Run for Fun
Heading to the Hamptons? The off-season crowd gathers in Montauk’s town center to attempt either three or six miles around Fort Pond.
www.montaukchamber.com/events/920
Palm Beach, Florida
Town of Palm Beach United Way5K Turkey Trot
Surely, you didn’t come to the Sunshine State to stay inside, so what better way to take in the scenery than a 5K coastal jaunt that also benefits United Way?
www.palmbeachunitedway.org/turkeytrot
Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica Gobble Wobble
Only three years old, the 5K course traverses the quaint streets of Santa Monica, with one stunning stretch along the ocean.
www.genericevents.com/gobble/index.html
Vail, Colorado
Eagle-Vail Turkey Trot
Those in town getting a head start on the ski season (the lifts opened just last week), can keep their snow hats on for the 5K run through Vail valley.