When it comes to Thanksgiving and all the hustle and bustle surrounding the holiday, there are many things to be thankful for this holiday season.
Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, yes, even cranberry sauce straight from the can. And no Thanksgiving dinner is complete without the green bean casserole and yams.
But aside from all the eating, Cashiers residents wanting to burn calories that day before the big meal can run in the Gobble on the Green 5K held at The Village Green on Nov. 25.
Participating in a turkey trot has become as much a part of American culture as watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade that morning or arguing with your family members over the last turkey leg.
The tradition dates to the late 1800s, when the organizers of the YMCA Turkey Trot in Buffalo held an 8K on Thanksgiving in 1896, according to The New York Times in 2018. That inaugural trot drew in six competitors and was five miles, as it is today.
From there, the concept grew into other famous races such as the Boston Marathon, which started the following year.
Due to the uncertain nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Village Green is offering two ways to enjoy the 5K and fun run. The on-site and in person run is at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day at The Village Green, but people who live out of the area or want to run on their own can participate between Nov. 19 and 28.
Early bird registration is now open at runsignup.com and costs $25 for both versions of the 5K. The one-mile fun run for children ages five-10 is free to participate in. Late registration, including race day, is $30 with a T-shirt while supplies last, and youth ages 12 and under are $15.
Packet pick up and on-site registration is Nov. 24 from 3-5 p.m. at The Village Green. On the day of the race, packet pick up starts at 8 a.m. and the fun run will follow the race at 10:30 a.m. In addition to Overall and Age Group awards, prizes will be given for the most creative and holiday festive costumes during the race.
The DIY 5K option will allow participants to run or walk at any time and in any location that is convenient and safe for them and their families. Run around the block, on trails, on the track or even on a treadmill.
While it is not required, people can submit their time to be included in the online “Just for Fun” results. Village Green staff will collect times beginning Nov. 19 until Nov. 28. The RunSignUp website has more information on how to submit times under the “DIY 5K Info” tab.
Everyone who signs up, regardless of whether they submit a time, will receive a free Gobble on the Green 5K T-shirt. These can be shipped or picked up at The Village Green.
- By Michael O'Hearn/Crossroads Chronicle