Don’t walk, trot on over to Meadow Park in Big Bear Lake, CA. Big Bear’s very own 11th annual Turkey Trot! 3, 6 or 9 miles is a great way to earn your dinner. The Turkey Trot is a family-friendly race to support local food pantries and Open Air Big Bear, a non-profit organization with the mission to advance and celebrate outdoor, people-powered events and activities in Big Bear Valley.
The first race starts at 9am on Thanksgiving Day. Don’t be late.
This trot has three different races, all along the same course. Either hop in for a three-mile jaunt, a six-mile sprint, or a nine-mile adventure. Walk—or run—it’s up to you exactly how you trot. And, if you want to show your true Turkey Day spirit, you can dress up and participate in the costume contest. (It might also be a great way to keep warm on what might be a relatively chilly day.) Entree fees range from $40-60 depending on how far in advance you secure your spot. Click here for all the info on Big Bear’s own Turkey Trot.
Turkey Trots are Nothing New
Did you know Turkey Trots have been around for awhile? The oldest documented turkey trot, a still-ongoing annual event in Buffalo, New York, dates back to 1896. Six runners made their way down a small, dirt road, completing what would become the first ever Turkey Trot.
The YMCA Buffalo Turkey Trot, is now a Thanksgiving tradition and the longest consecutively run race in the world. It’s so popular, in fact, that its capped at 14,000 competitors—some of whom travel from different countries just to participate. Over a century later, Turkey Trots are a country-wide phenomenon. And according to Running USA, Thanksgiving is the most popular running day in the country.
Why Do We Trot
The popularity of Turkey Trots has much to do with the meaning of Thanksgiving. Feeling thankful gives us the opportunity to be reminded of the many charities that are in need during this time of year. The Winter season poses many challenges for those who are living in food deserts, poverty, or homelessness. The increased need often depletes the shelves of local food pantries about late fall and into the winter.
Thanksgiving has become a good outreach for charities: “As you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal, consider those who are less fortunate.” With this message in hand, many of these aid-based organizations have begun sponsoring turkey trots to help raise support as they head into the cold weather months. But the turkey trot craze isn’t limited to goodwill alone. People want to give back, but they also like to feel justified to eat that extra piece of Pumpkin pie.
With all those extra calories why not lace up your Nikes for a Thanksgiving race. Participating in a Turkey Trot is an exciting way to bring people together, foster gratitude, and encourage wellbeing. Why not run a Turkey Day race this year? Let the miles be less about the free t-shirt and more about expressing gratitude by enjoying the sport and giving back to others in the process. Let this turkey trot set the stage for a thankful holiday season.
Book your Thanksgiving Stay
If you are heading to Big Bear this Thanksgiving and haven’t yet booked your accommodations, we urge you to consider a luxury cabin rental from Midnight Moon Cabins. After partaking in the Thanksgiving festivities, you’ll want to come home to a luxurious (and cozy!) cabin right in the middle of Big Bear—a cabin so nice you and your family might not ever want to leave.
Complete your Thanksgiving getaway in Big Bear with a blazing fire, warm apple cider, and an unforgettable cabin stay.