Gobbling Good Times: Thanksgiving Day Races in Massachusetts
Get ready to work off those pre-Thanksgiving jitters and make some room for the feast! The 4Squares Team is here with a lineup of Turkey Trots to kick off your day before you kick off your shoes for that post-dinner nap!
So, grab your running shoes and your wackiest turkey-themed attire, and let's get trotting!
Gobble Gobble Gobble Road Race - Somerville Roadrunners Seven Hills Park, Davis Square, Somerville, MA
Let's be honest; how can you resist a name like that? The Somerville Roadrunners have had this one nailed down for years. Starting and ending in Davis Square, this classic 4-mile road course through Somerville begins at 9 am sharp, rain or shine. A great time for participants and spectators alike; you'll either burn calories from running or from laughing at the costumes adorned by participants. Sightings have ranged from turkey hats to Big Bird; you'll be endlessly entertained.
Register via the Somerville Roadrunners website for all details, including the post-race party!
Franklin Park Turkey Trot - Franklin Park Coalition - Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse
1 Circuit Drive, Boston MA
If you're traveling over the (Charles) River to grandmother's house in Boston, consider starting your day at The Franklin Park Turkey Trot. Take in the scenery of Frederick Law Olmsted's landscape architecture masterpiece, all while working up an appetite for the big Thanksgiving feast.
The Franklin Park Turkey Trot is the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the City of Boston and welcomes all ages and paces – there are always walking groups at the end of the pack. Strollers, wheelchairs, and race-ready leashed dogs are welcome, and there are awards for fast finishers and costumes!
For all details, including a map and video of the race route, visit the Franklin Park Coalition's website.
Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run - Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem- 29 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970
Salem is more than a Halloween destination; it's also home to one of the biggest races on the North Shore: the Wild Turkey 5-Mile Run! Starting and ending at the esteemed Peabody Essex Museum, the route brings you through all the highlights of Salem, including the House of Seven Gables, the famous "Bewitched" statue, and dozens of other iconic sites. The race is incredibly well-attended, with competitors representing 22 states and parts of Canada, ages 7 to 80 years old.
This year marks Wild Turkey's 20th year, and all proceeds benefit the Salem Boys & Girls Club. Learn more at the Wild Turkey 5-Mile Run website.
Running of the Pilgrims 5K - South Shore Race Management - DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 60 Water St., Plymouth.
Get your buckled hats and bonnets ready because it's time for the Running of the Pilgrims 5K in the birthplace of Thanksgiving: Plymouth, MA!
A costume-optional event, the Running of the Pilgrims is a chance to run through history, all while earning your own Pilgrim badge of honor. Starting and ending at Plymouth Rock, you'll enjoy the salty air as you run past the Mayflower and through the downtown Plymouth waterfront.
While runners and walkers of all speeds are welcome, only service dogs are permitted. For all information, including bib pickup and other important details, visit the race website here.
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