These 10 turkey trots in Massachusetts are good for more than your waistline
Thanksgiving is a holiday defined by food, family, football, and—now—road races.
A Thanskgiving Day road race can do more than just validate a second helping of pie.
The holiday has overtaken the Fourth of July as the most popular racing day in the country, according to Runners World.
Many of these shorter, festive races are tied to fundraisers or food drives so runners do good for more than their own waistlines.
These 10 Thanksgiving turkey trots in Massachusetts all benefit a good cause, and better yet, they’re all still accepting runners.
Anywhere: Virtual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5k
Here’s a 5k you can run on your own time. Whether on the street, a track, or treadmill, you can anytime and anywhere from November 21-30. Registration is $15, and all proceeds benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation. [email protected] for more information.
Brighton: The 18th Annual Boston Volvo Village 5K Road Race
This road race raises money for Multiple Sclerosis education, support, advocacy, and research funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Greater New England Chapter. Registration is $25 on-site the morning of the race. Boston Volvo Village, 75 North Beacon St., Brighton; [email protected] for more information.
Cohasset: 7th Annual Thanks-for-giving 5k Road Race
Registration is $20, and proceeds benefit the Cohasset Recreation Department and The Clark Chatterton Memorial Fund. Cohasset Town Hall, 41 Highland Avenue, Cohasset; [email protected] for more information.
Concord: 6th Annual Concord Turkey Trot
This race attracts over 1,000 runners. Race day registration is $35 and benefits the Open Table food pantry. Runners are also encouraged to bring food donations for the pantry. Keyes Road, Concord; [email protected] if interested in volunteering.
Dedham: Family Gratitude – 5K Turkey Trot
Race day registration is $40. Proceeds benefit the Dedham Food Pantry and the local Ripples of Hope community, a nonprofit organization that connects families of different cultures and economic backgrounds. Endicott Estate, 656 East St., Dedham; [email protected] for more information.
Franklin: Franklin Turkey Trot 5k Family Fun Run
This turkey trot runs its registration a little differently: Runners can pay $20 or bring 20 cans or boxes of food with them for the Franklin Food Pantry. Runners will also receive free breakfast and raffles at the end of the race. LDS Church, 91 Jordan Road, Franklin; [email protected] for more information.
Lowell: Thanks4giving 5k and 10k
For this race, you won’t get another finisher’s medal to add to the pile—you’ll take home a pie. Race day entry fees are $25 for the 5k, and $30 for the 10k. All proceeds benefit the Alternative House, a shelter providing services for battered women and their families. Lowell Elks, 40 Old Ferry Road, Lowell.
Northborough: Northborough Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
Registration for this 5k is $25 the day of the race, with all money raised benefitting the Northborough Food Pantry. This event also offers a two-mile walking route for those not quite ready for the three-mile run. Costumes are encouraged for both courses. Zeh Elementary School, 33 Howard St., Northborough.
Seekonk: Newman YMCA 5k/10k Turkey Run
Registration for both the 5k and 10k races is $35, and funds the Newman YMCA Financial Aid Campaign so no one is turned away from the Providence nonprofit due to lack of funds. Newman YMCA, 472 Taunton Ave., Seekonk.
Wakefield: Active Motion Physical Therapy 6th Annual Earn Your Turkey 5k Road Race
Registration for this 5k around Lake Quannapowitt is $25. Proceeds go toward scholarships for Wakefield High School graduating seniors. 100/200 Quannapowitt Parkway, Wakefield.
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