Eat Guilt-Free This Thanksgiving by Running in Austin’s Favorite Holiday Race

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If you’re looking for something to entertain your relatives Thanksgiving morning before eating superfluous amounts of cranberry and stuffing, join fellow Austinites and other costume-clad runners in the 19th annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot benefiting Caritas.

Why would you want to get up early and run on a holiday? Well, if celebrating Turkey Day with tens of thousands of Austinites isn’t motivation enough, here a few other statistics that may assuage you.

During America’s favorite eating holiday, participants from more than 30 states come out every year to help raise money for Austin’s less fortunate. When the Turkey Trot started back in 1990, there were only 600 runners. Last year there were more than 13,000. Most importantly, all proceeds from the Turkey Trot directly benefit Caritas of Austin – the 45-year-old charity that’s not only become the bedrock of Austin’s social services network, but nourishes our homeless to help get them back on their feet.

Race director Michelle Graham said most Austinites like to participate simply because it’s on a holiday.

“Holidays are a great time for gathering together, and I can’t think of a better way to spend time with family and friends than walking or running before a big meal,” she says. “People say it’s one of their favorites because they enjoy participating with their family and because it makes for a guilt-free Thanksgiving dinner.”

According to Graham, one of the most important things about the event is its fundraising power. During the 18-year history of the race, the Turkey Trot has raised more than $800,000 for Caritas.

“By participating, not only are you having a good time, but you’re also helping the central Texas homeless, working poor and refugees,” Graham says.

For the more competitive athlete, there’s a chip-timed five-mile run, which happens to be the largest in Texas, winding through the University of Texas campus.
If you’re not into running early in the morning, the Turkey Trot also offers a one-mile walk through the Texas Capitol grounds.

Finally, there’s The Stepping Stone School Kid’s K, which starts prior to the five-mile race and only takes a few minutes to complete. Most children like to participate on their own, but parents are welcome to accompany their children as well.

Austinites have many infamous traditions. Exercising first and indulging later is no exception. Whether you run, walk or cheer, you’ll have even more motivation for a hearty, post-race meal and an extra slice of pie this year.

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3 NEW THINGS TO LOOK FOR THIS YEAR:

1. Different Race Course - Last year the course was rerouted due to the Texas football game against A&M, but this year the route from a couple years ago is back. Runners start at Waterloo Park, go north up Guadalupe St, turn southbound on Red River and finish back at Waterloo.

2. The Turkey Trot Race Guide - This will be your ticket to all the wonderful activities taking place at this year’s event. Look for the guide at participating Thundercloud Subs locations starting the first week of November. There’s even a coupon for a free sub inside, so make sure to get yours!

3. Bicycle Sports Shop Bike Raffle - Start your holiday shopping early, by purchasing a Bicycle Sports Shop raffle ticket for $10. Two lucky winners will each receive a $1,500 prize pack from Bicycle Sports Shop. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold, so you have fantastic odds of winning. Get as many as you like at
www.ThunderCloud.com