Over the last several years, Thanksgiving became the day when more Americans race than any other.
It makes sense:
Turkey Trots have become a consistent holiday tradition.
People like the idea of burning/earning their giant meal on the day when we celebrate eating to excess (well, it's also a day of giving thanks and being grateful for the blessings of the previous year).
Racing is fun and a celebration of running. It's rewarding to get together with friends and strangers to rejoice in our sport.
All that said, let's mix it up this Turkey Trot season.
REAL Training's Turkey Mile 4 REAL takes place on Wednesday, November 24. This way, you can save Thanksgiving for: sharing the day and your holiday meal with your family and friends; volunteering at a Thanksgiving-day race that needs volunteers; or heck, arguing with your family and friends if that's your jam (not advising that, but it's a thing).
It's a full mile on Niwot High School's speedy track. Why a mile? Because Thanksgiving is about giving thanks, and we're thankful we won't always run the 1600m distance.
For high school runners, what a perfect opportunity to take advantage of your XC fitness and throw down a fast mile before taking a well-earned post-season break! It's also an ideal shot of sub-race-pace work and confidence boost for anyone heading to the Garmin RunningLane Cross Country Championships.
There will be races for everyone:
Youth (5th grade & Under): Boys & Girls
Middle School (6th - 8th grade): Boys & Girls
High School: Boys & Girls
Community Mile (above High School/Under 40): Men & Women
Masters Mile (40+): Men & Women
Elite Mile: Men & Women
Each race will feature FAT (fully automatic timing) by Colorado Elite Timing Services.
The Turkey Mile 4 REAL will have 12 separate races (based on entries, certain races could be combined). And thanks to Niwot Market, the winner of each race heads home with a tasty pumpkin pie.
Winners will also receive a Turkey Mile 4 REAL t-shirt designed by local artist and runner, Joseph Martinez (@josephmrtnz on Instagram).
Additional t-shirts will be available for purchase as a fundraiser for REAL Training's Financial Assistance Program for Athletes.
And raffle prizes, so many raffle prizes!
They'll have Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Drink Mix on hand for before and after your race. And Little Secrets Chocolates will provide their tasty treats as well!
Hurry! If you register on RunSignUp through November 22nd, use the coupon code MSPLIT5LEFTY to save $5.
