Get Ready to Run: Thanksgiving Day Races Bring Community Spirit to the Upstate!

Get Ready to Run: Thanksgiving Day Races in the Upstate!

As the crisp autumn air settles in and Thanksgiving approaches, many residents in the Upstate are gearing up for a morning celebration that combines fitness with fun! It’s that time of year when you might just spot a flock of runners dressed as turkeys, taking to the streets for some outdoor exercise before diving into a feast. Turkey trots, as they’re affectionately called, have become a delightful tradition, with roots tracing back over a century. Did you know the first turkey trot was organized in 1896? Now that’s a long-standing holiday legacy!

Electric City Gobbler 5K in Anderson

One of the most beloved races in the Upstate is the Electric City Gobbler 5K, which has been a staple in Anderson since its inception in 2004. This year, the race is set to take off on Thanksgiving Day at 8:30 a.m., right on E. North Avenue, just outside the Anderson Mall. Runners will meander past local landmarks, such as Whitehall Elementary School and the Anderson Sports & Entertainment Complex, before crossing the finish line back at the mall.

Race director Alison Youngblood shares what makes this race special: “Every year we see the same familiar faces and families. People come from all over the country to celebrate health and community on Thanksgiving morning.” Celebrate you will, especially with cheerful costumes! Racegoers are encouraged to don turkey suits, holiday hats, or just about anything festive for a great photo opportunity.

Registration is still open for $30, which includes a shiny commemorative medal for participants. Plus, if running isn’t your speed, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities to cheer on your friends and family as they conquer the course. For more details, check out this link.

Turkey Day 8K in Spartanburg

Over in Spartanburg, the excitement continues with the United Community Bank Turkey Day 8K. This annual event is celebrating its 20th year, having grown from a handful of participants in 2005 to over 2,000 runners last year! The race starts on Spring Street, right beside the vibrant Love Where You Live mural, making it a picturesque launch point.

Sophi Schwartzbauer, event coordinator for PAL (Play, Advocate, Live Well), emphasizes the relaxed atmosphere of the Turkey Day 8K: “It’s all about community. Whether you walk, jog, or run, everyone is welcome.” When signing up, participants are kindly asked to bring a canned good to donate to TOTAL Ministries—a great way to spread the holiday spirit.

Online registration is available for just $15 until the race kicks off at 7:30 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, and the first 150 finishers will score custom Turkey Day socks! Check it out at this website.

Greenville’s Turkey Day Celebrations

And don’t forget about Greenville! They’re hosting not just one, but two races this Thanksgiving with TreesUpstate. Their 2024 Turkey Day 8K Run starts at 8 a.m., while the 5K Fun Run and Walk follows at 8:30 a.m.. Both races kick off at E. McBee Avenue, meandering through the beautiful downtown area that showcases local landmarks like the Greenville Zoo and Falls Park on the Reedy.

With cash prizes for the top three finishers in each race, as well as age group awards, the competition is sure to be sweet! Registration is still open until race day, with a fee of $40, which goes to support the wonderful work of TreesUpstate. More details and sign-up can be found at this link.

So lace up those sneakers, throw on your favorite Thanksgiving outfit, and join in the fun! Not only will you be starting your day with a burst of energy and community spirit, but you’ll also be supporting local nonprofits in a meaningful way. Happy running, and of course, happy Thanksgiving!