November 23rd, 2023
The 3rd Annual Turkey Day 5K brought together over 60 runners and their pups for a group run through Clayton on Thanksgiving morning. Runners were greeted with Carolina blue skies and cool temps for this very unofficial club run on empty streets before the big meal.
This event started during COVID lockdowns in 2021 when all of the local Thanksgiving Day races were cancelled. This event started simply as a group of friends gathering together to get in a run on an otherwise busy day with family. That year we had 25 runners assemble and enjoyed a group run. In 2022 we saw the group increase to 33 runners. Each year the event continues to grow and continues to be a great start to the day with friends and miles.
Runners met up starting around 7:30am at Clayton Town Square with plenty of smiles and greetings of friendship and thanksgiving. In a group effort, runners brought hot chocolate, coffee, donuts, and other snacks to share following the run. At events like this, there is never a shortage of provisions for everyone.
The sun was a welcome source of temporary heat during this chilly fall run. With falling leaves and clear skies it almost felt like running through a movie set.
We had runners of all abilities and paces participate. There were a few runners out to set a new 5K Personal Record (PR) with many others combining a walk-jog effort to complete the distance.
Some used this as a training run and others simply enjoyed the company of other runners.
The group of 60+ runners naturally spread out along the 3.10 mile route, passing each other and providing words of encouragement.
With COVID restrictions a thing of the past there is now a plethora of options for a Turkey Day 5K around the greater Raleigh area. Many of these races raise money for great causes from Cancer research to Animal Care, Substance Abuse assistance and many more. With so many options in the area, it was great to have such a large group this year.
Keep an eye on the club calendar for our 2024 Turkey Day 5K!
The club is so great because the people are so great. At events like this you'll meet like-minded people who also like to wake up early, on a holiday, in cool weather and decide to run, on purpose. Each runner has their own motivation, purpose and reasoning to be there and no matter what it is. We're just happy you showed up!
Like all runs and events within the club, there are no fee's, signups or registrations to participate. All it takes to be a part of CAR is to show up, then keep showing up. Be as active as you'd like with the club or show up just a few times a year, regardless you are always welcome.
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