5 Turkey Trots To Burn Off Thanksgiving Calories

Start the holiday in Bergen County by joining one of these health-conscious, family-friendly runs.

There are two types of people who wake up every holiday: those who shut their eyes for an extra hour of sleep, and those who are raring to go and run a few miles. These days, there are more and more folks falling into the latter group, especially on Thanksgiving, as participation in morning turkey trots has dramatically increased over the past few years. In fact, there were 756,894 Turkey Day run participants in 730 races across the U.S. last year, raising more than $1.8 million for charity. Both are record numbers, according to RunSignup, the software company that hosts a range of online services for the running industry, from event registrations to fundraising campaigns.

So, what’s drawing people to these events? For starters, everyone can participate. Serious runners can compete for individual glory, but casual joggers and families full of walkers can enter as well. And most turkey trots have a charitable component as well. But let’s be real—we’re most thankful for a morning 3-miler because completing it entitles us to a second (and third) helping of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie later in the day.

In Bergen County, we have several turkey trots from which to choose. Below are five of upcoming Thanksgiving-themed races:

Nov. 18, St. Peter Academy 5K Turkey Trot, River Edge. This 5K course starts and ends at the school on Fifth Avenue. A kids’ fun run takes off at 9 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9:30. Pre-race registration is $30, and on-site signups are $35.

Nov. 23, Be Grateful 5K, Rochelle Park. Celebrate Thanksgiving while raising money for high school scholarships at this race, beginning at the Rochelle Park section of Saddle River County Park. On-site registration and bib pick-up starts at 8 a.m., and the race starts at 9. Sign up online for $40.

Nov. 23, Grateful Hearts and Healthy Starts, Leonia. The recreation department’s annual 5K will benefit the town’s sports programs and will include a 1-mile run, 5K walk and run. Each race is $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. Check in starts at 7:30 a.m. at the sculpture garden, and all races start at 8. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to local food pantries.

Nov. 23, Racefaster Thanksgiving Day Run, Glen Rock. A beautiful course through the streets of Glen Rock awaits all those who sign up for the 1-mile kids’ fun run and the 5K. The 5K starts at 9 a.m., and the fun run begins 9:45; both take off from the Glen Rock pool. Online registration is $25 for the kids’ event and $40 for the 5K.

Nov. 23, Upper Saddle River 5K. Head to Cavallini Middle School for the annual 5K turkey trot, which begins with 7:30 a.m. check-in followed by the race at 9. Online registration fee is $35.

What are your plans for Thanksgiving morning? Tell us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.