The Annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot Is Undoubtedly One of Austin’s Best Races
The 35th version of the yearly Thanksgiving 5-mile race, which took place on Thursday, had a record number of runners
ThunderCloud Subs’ first Thanksgiving Turkey Trot began in Zilker Park.
Zigging and zagging through the legendary green space which sits just south of the city skyline, just over 600 runners finished the first 5-mile race in 1991. When it got too crowded, next up was a start line at Austin High (also in view of the skyline). Then, when that got too big, the race moved to Waterloo Park (you guessed it, near the skyline). And then finally, about 13 years ago, it moved again—for what may be its last time.
The annual race, which hosted about 26,000-thousand runners on Thanksgiving this year according to ThunderCloud Subs co-owner Mike Haggerty, starts on Congress Avenue and ends at the Long Center for the Performing Arts—perhaps Austin’s single-best view of the city.
It also featured options such as virtual races and maternity and baby-jogger categories.
More important, though, is the fact that all race proceeds go directly to Caritas of Austin, a nonprofit that serves the underserved in Central Texas and works toward bridging gaps for the unhoused community. To date, the race has raised over $5.4 million for the foundation.
“It’s the best investment we can make,” said Haggerty, who’s been with the company since 1981. “This race is for the greater good of the community.”
This year, the annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot earned another honor for its annual tradition, finishing third overall as “best race or run” in Austin Fit Magazine’s annual Best of 2025 awards.
What Other Cool Stuff Goes On During Race Day
Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World for good reason. It’s the lifeblood of most any event in the city. This year’s ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot featured Double Heads, a notable Austin-based vinyl-DJ duo that hosts the “Variety Hour” on KOOP Radio.
For the national anthem, the event brought out Amy Atchley, a singer-songwriter in Austin who features notes of indie pop, folk and classical influences. Cheering fans line the streets and across various hot spots during the race.
For a small stretch right about the halfway point, the race also veered on to Mopac Boulevard. There, runners absorbed the city skyline and took in one of the best views of the race.
What’s Thundercloud Subs’ Involvement In The Race?
The local company has held the race for the past 35 years. Over that time, the yearly staple has become one of the best road races on the calendar. “We’ve gotten strong support from the community, sponsors and everyone else,” Haggerty said. “It’s the best kind of family tradition.” Today, Haggerty says he operates the event (though he added that he’s run it a few times).
Company wide, he says, every single ThunderCloud Subs employee is offered free registration. Approximately 25% of its staff volunteers. “Once you do it, it’s such a good vibe,” Haggerty said. “Doing something good is a prescription for happiness. Once people have that, they hang on to it.”
Even as race fees have grown nationwide, ThunderCloud Subs’ pricing has stayed relatively consistent. Early entry was as low as $30 for the timed 5-mile race, while late registration only rose to $45.
From parking to Uber options, there was also ample information leading up to the race for entrants.
Why Is The Thundercloud Subs 5-Miler An Important Austin Tradition?
Originally, the event’s intent was to improve and expand the hike and bike trail at Lady Bird Lake (once known as Town Lake). When Haggerty took a check to the city after the first race, though, officials told him they couldn’t accept it. He then pivoted, deciding the best use of the funds was to directly impact a foundation like Caritas of Austin.
Since 1991, when the race first began, the company has donated over $5.4 million in funds to Caritas of Austin. The foundation has been the company’s sole beneficiary over that stretch.
A year ago, ThunderCloud Subs raised over $425,000 for the nonprofit. That number is expected to balloon in 2025 as a record-number of entrants were signed up for this year’s version.
“Doing something good is a prescription for happiness. Once people have that, they hang on to it.”
Where Can I Find Results?
The 2025 ThunderCloud Thanksgiving Turkey Trot results can be found at runsignup.com.
How Can I Run The Thundercloud Subs Thanksgiving 5-Miler Next Year?
For more information about the race and next year’s date, visit https://thundercloud.com/postevent.
