Kat Powell
Great way to jumpstart Thanksgiving Day! And so close to home! Just walk to start line.
Manchester Road Race
Thursday November 27th, 2025
Manchester, CT
Distance: 4.75 Miles
Offical Race Web Site
The Manchester Road race is one of New England’s oldest and most popular road races. The 86th Manchester Road Race will be held on Thanksgiving Day. It starts and finishes on Main Street, in front of St. James Church.
The Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance recently honored the Manchester Road Race. The CSWA, which is comprised of sports journalists and broadcasters from throughout the state, presented its prestigious President’s Award to the Manchester Road Race Committee at its annual Gold Key Dinner in Southington.
The group gives the award each year to the individual, team or organization that has made a significant contribution to sports in Connecticut.
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Prize Money: $53600
Race City Location Map - zoom in · zoom out · big map
displays approximate race location · Manchester CT 06040
Manchester Road Race, Race Date: 2024-11-28, Distance: 4.75 Miles
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 21:09 | Andrew Colley | usa | |
| 2nd Male | 21:15 | Eduardo Herrera | mex | |
| 3rd Male | 21:19 | Edwin Kurgat | ken | |
| 4th Male | 21:20 | Patrick Dever | gbr | |
| Female | 23:14 | Weini Kelati | usa | |
| 2nd Female | 24:05 | Annie Rodenfels | usa | |
| 3rd Female | 24:16 | Florencia Borelli | arg | |
| 4th Female | 24:18 | Emily Durgin | usa |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
The Manchester Road Race was born in 1927. "Francis" 'Duke' Haraburda' had the enthusiasm, Manchester Assistant Recreation Director Frank Busch had a willing ear, and his boss, Recreation Director Lewis Lloyd, was in a position to do something about it." Francis Haraburda had been captain of the Manchester High cross-country team in 1927. The season ended in mid-November and, in his opinion, much too quickly. He thought it would be fun if Manchester held a Thanksgiving Day cross-country race after the scholastic schedule was completed. Haraburda mentioned his idea to Busch, who then proposed the race to Lloyd. Lloyd and Busch took the idea to Charles "Pete" Wigren, Manchester High School's first track coach, and he took it from there.
The major problem they encountered was choosing a course for the race. Cross-country racing suggested running off road through a natural environment. In the late 1920's such a route did not exist in an up and coming town like Manchester, which was already covered with paved roads. The idea of a road race did not seem practical. Road running, other than 26.2 mile marathons, was not popular at that time. They settled on a course that had the start and finish at the High School, which at the time was at the bottom of Main Street. The route followed Main Street to Mt. Nebo to Charter Oak Street, down Highland Park to Porter Street and finally East Center Street back to Main Street. This combined trail running with some road running. The five and a half mile course was much more difficult than today and included territory now occupied by Interstate 384.
Lloyd, Haraburda, Busch and Wigren mustered a few local runners. "There were 12 starters in a steady drizzle of rain which continued until the finish." A few Manchester residents also went out to stand on the edge of the course and support the runners. The winner of the first race was John McCluskey, who completed the course in 29:36 and was awarded a silver loving cup for his effort.
A local newspaper, the Manchester Herald, said the Manchester Road Race was "a big success." Ninth place finisher, Bob Dougan saw it differently. He commented, "The first year didn't really amount to much. The reaction of most people in town was 'So what? So a couple of guys are going to run five miles. Big deal.' We had no idea whether the race would survive to see its second year."
Not only was the race held the next year, in 1928 it became an annual tradition. Jim Gwin won in 1928 and Walt Bennet in 1929. Thanks to the presence of Joe McCluskey, John's younger brother and a quickly rising champion high school runner, the Manchester Road Race took off in 1930, with crowds of 10,000 in downtown Manchester on race day. McCluskey won with ease in 1930, 31 and 32, but decided to pass up the race in 1933 and give someone else a chance. McCluskey's absence and the ongoing depression would soon bring an end to the Road Race.
As the race had begun to claim a name for itself, local businesses started to take an interest. They promoted the race in their shops, and donated prizes for the winners. However, the depression hit and put this to an end. The race organizers could not ask for donations when these businesses were barely surviving themselves. In 1934, 38 racers crossed the finish line, led by John Turley. Turley, a Yale student, won the race with a time of 24:43. This marked the end of the first chapter in the race's history, as the continued misery of the Great Depression followed by the coming of the Second World War, led to cancellation of the event until its revival in 1945.
- Beginning in 1927, the Manchester Road Race started with just twelve runners.
- Today, there are more than 15,000 registered runners and walkers.
- In 1961, the first woman ran the Manchester Road Race.
Thursday November 27th, 2025
San Jose, California
Distance: 10K · 5K
Offical Race Web Site
Start Thanksgiving Day off on the right foot at the Applied Materials “Silicon Valley Turkey Trot”. Before the big games, the big meal, the parades and the pies, why not get in a little exercise with a few thousand neighbors? It’s an event the whole family will enjoy! Many have made the “run” or “walk” a Thanksgiving Day tradition.
You’ll also be giving “thanks” by helping Healthier Kids Foundation Santa Clara County,Housing Trust Silicon Valley,Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County and The Health Trust. These charities provide families with their most basic needs for “health, hope, and a home.” The “Silicon Valley Turkey Trot”, founded and produced by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation, is now in its 12th year and the total amount given to charity has exceeded $6.9 million.
There are several events to choose from within the 5K and 10K runs and walks, along with a kids fun run. Elite runners, joggers, and walkers will enjoy the downtown San Jose course, which is flat, fast and flows through downtown neighborhoods and business areas.
Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot from Silicon Valley Turkey Trot on Vimeo.
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Race City Location Map - zoom in · zoom out · big map
displays approximate race location · San Jose CA 95131
Applied Materials Turkey Trot, Race Date: 2024-11-28, Distance: 10k
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 31:39 | Benthan Vu | 21 | san jose |
| 2nd Male | 31:41 | Garrett Patrick | 32 | daly city |
| 3rd Male | 32:36 | Max Corrales | 25 | san jose |
| 4th Male | 33:11 | Joseph Grovers | 29 | sa |
| Female | 34:59 | Joanna Reyes | 32 | santa Carla |
| 2nd Female | 35:03 | Jennifer Bergman | 33 | erie |
| 3rd Female | 36:13 | Kate Grace | 36 | boulder |
| 4th Female | :37:22 | Triya Roy | 22 | curpetino |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
On Thanksgiving morning, 2004, Carl and Leslee Guardino heard a radio report announcing “20,000 people downtown running and walking to benefit the needy” in Sacramento. Carl turned to Leslee and said, “Somebody ought to do a race like that here.” Leslee gave Carl that look that said, “Maybe that somebody should be us.”
Reaching out to Bob Brownstein at Working Partnerships, a think-tank arm of the Central Labor Council, a partnership was formed. Several months later, a major milestone occurred when Joe Pon of Applied Materials successfully championed to the company the idea of Applied serving as the Multi-Year Title Sponsor. With a title sponsor, and then several branded co-sponsors, the Applied Materials “Silicon Valley Turkey Trot “was born.
Three great local charities serving local residents – Healthier Kids Foundation Santa Clara County, Housing Trust Silicon Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties –were initially selected as multi-year beneficiaries, and a volunteer Executive Steering Committee started planning the first race, set for Thanksgiving Day, 2005.
- Year One Goals: 1,000 participants, supported by 200 volunteers, with a stretch goal to raise $100,000 for charity.
- Year One Results: 1,900 participants supported by 250 volunteers, clearing $132,000 for the three charities.
The event blossomed beyond everyone’s wildest imagination.
- Year Seven Results: 22,124 participants, supported by 1,000 volunteers, clearing $612,000 for charity.
- Year Eight Results: 24,223 participants, supported by 2,000 volunteers, clearing $700,000 (from the race) plus an additional $500,000 from a one time, anonymous donor totaling $1.2 million for charity.
- Year Nine Results: 24,565 participants, supported by 1,800 volunteers. clearing $850,000 for charity.
- Year Ten Results: 26,405 registrants, supported by 2,000 volunteers, clearing $936,000 for charity.
- Year Eleven Results: 24,901 registrants, supported by 2,000 volunteers, clearing $936,000 for charity.
- Year Twelve Results: 24,388 registrants, supported by 2,000 volunteers, clearing $912,000 for charity.
- Total donated: More than $6.9 million.
Turkey Trot Chicago
Thursday November 27th, 2025
Chicago, IL
Distance: 8K · 5K
Offical Race Web Site
Warm up your Thanksgiving appetite with Chicago’s longest running Thanksgiving tradition; the Annual Turkey Day Run Chicago. Bring the whole family, come dressed for the part, and join runners, joggers and walkers for some lighthearted fun.
We’re also bringing back the turkey tailgate zone, featuring a variety of games for the whole family, including:
- Turkey bowling
- Football throw
- Cornhole toss
- Costume contest
- And more!
While you’re running your giblets off, you’ll be supporting the Greater Chicago Food Depository ensuring no Chicagoan goes hungry this Thanksgiving by bringing two cans of food to either packet pick-up or to the race day.
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Race City Location Map - zoom in · zoom out · big map
displays approximate race location · Chicago IL 60604
Turkey Trot Chicago, Race Date: 2024-11-28, Distance: 8k
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 27:43 | Owen Transue | 20 | Durham, NC |
| 2nd Male | 27:56 | Cameron Rieger | 33 | Chicago, IL |
| 3rd Male | 28:26 | Aaron Portman | 24 | Chicago, IL |
| 4th Male | 28:29 | Rylan Shafer | 24 | Chicago, IL |
| Female | 31:49 | Trillium Chang | 29 | Chicago, IL |
| 2nd Female | 32:03 | Brittney Schuler | 39 | Chicago, IL |
| 3rd Female | 31:49 | Josey Mintel | 33 | Chicago, DC |
| 4th Female | 34:33 | Kaitlin Smith | 31 | Chicago, IL |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
About The Course
Flat, Scenic, and the ideal location for a Thanksgiving run.
The Life Time Chicago Turkey Trot 5K & 8K will step off from Fullerton Pkwy and Cannon Dr at 9:00 A.M. in a wave start (Wave details located in the Schedule) Participants will run east on Fullerton Pkwy toward the Lakefront Trail.
After passing under Lake Shore Drive participants will run north along the Lakefront Trail to Recreation Dr. 5K participants will turnaround just south of Addison and Recreation Dr. 8K participants will continue north on the Lakefront Trail and turnaround just south of Montrose Ave.
Southbound runners will use Recreation Drive until merging back onto the Lakefront Trail just south of Addison. Participants will continue to follow the Lakefront Trail south until traversing under Lake Shore Dr at the Barry Bridge. Once through the bridge, they will follow the cinder path into the Finish Line located just south of the Diversey Driving Range parking lot.
Charlotte Southpark Turkey Trot
Thursday November 27th, 2025
Charlotte, NC
Distance: 8K · 5K · 1 Mile · 26.2 Yard Tot Trot
Offical Race Web Site
The Charlotte South Park Turkey Trot, one of Charlotte's longest-running events, and one of the largest events in North Carolina. The race has become an Annual Thanksgiving Day Tradition for over 10,000+ participants, representing families and friends across generations. It’s a happy and healthy way to start off one of the best days of the year!
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Race City Location Map - zoom in · zoom out · big map
displays approximate race location · Charlotte NC 28202
Charlotte Southpark Turkey Trot, Race Date: 2024-11-28, Distance: 8k
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 26:11 | Jack Mastandrea | 26 | GREENVILLE |
| 2nd Male | 26:30 | Dylan Lowry | 32 | MATTHEWS |
| 3rd Male | 26:39 | Jackson OHara | 23 | MATTHEWS |
| 4th Male | 26:55 | Drew Marshall | 30 | CHARLOTTE |
| Female | 29:34 | Erin Del Giudice | 31 | CHARLOTTE |
| 2nd Female | 30:04 | Madeline Frank | 28 | TALLAHASSEE |
| 3rd Female | 31:40 | Lauren Strothers | 27 | CHARLOTTE |
| 4th Female | 31:56 | Kayla Brown | 24 | SUWANEE |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| M 40-49 | 27:49 | Daniel Matena | 41 | CHARLOTTE |
| M 50-59 | 31:58 | Anthony Kwon | 50 | CHARLOTTE |
| M 60-69 | 33:45 | Ted Frank | 60 | CHARLOTTE |
| M 70+ | 41:07 | Bob Nelson | 73 | CHARLOTTE |
| F 40-49 | 34:11 | Anne Fechtel | 43 | CHARLOTTE |
| F 50-59 | 41:15 | Christina MacDonald | 54 | CHARLOTTE |
| F 60-69 | 41:00 | Monica Erb | 64 | CHARLOTTE |
| F 70+ | 50:48 | Judy Osborn | 72 | CHARLOTTE |
Thanks to the ongoing support of our participants and sponsors, we’ve got something for everyone to join in on! And, as always, our commitment to maintaining a first-class event all-around is our highest priority.
Our course starts next to Southpark Mall and finishes in the SouthPark Mall in front of Dicks and beside the Symphony park. Participants will enjoy a safe and scenic run through South Charlotte. For a detailed course map, please visit our website. Water stops will be positioned on the course. Portable restrooms will be stationed at the Start/Finish line area and at the midway point of the 8K.
Berwick Run for the Diamonds
Thursday November 27th, 2025
Berwick, PA
Distance: 9 miles
Offical Race Web Site
Run For The Diamonds 9 mile race takes runners through the town of Berwick, a course which has not been changed since it's inaugural event. The race is over 110 years old.
Berwick Run for The Diamonds is a nine-mile foot race starting and ending on Market Street in downtown Berwick, Pennsylvania. It is held every year on Thanksgiving Day since 1908.
The first race had only 13 participants. The course has remained essentially unchanged since 1908, running up a very challenging hill and through the countryside of Summerhill. No women competed officially until 1972 when two women ran. The one hundredth running of the annual event was held in 2009. It was canceled twice due to World War I in 1918 and 1919.
The race was called the "Berwick Marathon" until the 1970s and 1980s. But since the race is too short to qualify as a marathon, and winners receive diamonds as part of their prize, the name was changed to "Run for the Diamonds".
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Berwick Run for the Diamonds, Race Date: 2024-11-28, Distance: 9 miles
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 45:06 | CASEY ELLIS | 25 | TOWANDA PA |
| 2nd Male | 45:45 | MATT GILLETTE | 33 | ALLENTOWN PA |
| 3rd Male | 46:08 | ALEX PRICE | 31 | BETHLEHEM PA |
| 4th Male | 46:19 | GREGORY JAINDL | 27 | MACUNGIE PA |
| Female | 48:37 | PAIGE WOOD | 28 | FLAGSTAFF AZ |
| 2nd Female | 52:03 | ELLEN FERINGA | 28 | PHILADELPHIA PA |
| 3rd Female | 54:09 | LAUREL MOYER | 28 | LOCK HAVEN PA |
| 4th Female | 54:13 | AUTUMN SANDS | 24 | GREENBELT MD |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
In this modern world of professional runners, televised marathons, and hundred-dollar racing shoes, Berwick, Pennsylvania’s Run for the Diamonds has the authenticity of an old boxing gym. A nine-mile race with a grueling two-mile uphill, contested on Thanksgiving since 1908, this is a throwback event that reflects the history of running in America.
Some of the world’s greatest runners have competed at Berwick. Boston legend Johnny Kelley said, “Except for the Boston and Olympic marathons, there is no race that I would rather win than Berwick.”
The first race was contested between the locals over unpaved roads and followed by a “referee” on horseback. The frontrunner in 1909 was a diminutive Hopi named Louis Tewanima, who became the race’s first star. (Although he was captured by the US Cavalry in 1906 and forced to attend Carlisle Indian School, Tewanima went on to win an Olympic silver medal for the United States.)
Berwick also attracted some of Finland’s greatest runners—Hannes Kolehmainen (the first “Flying Finn”) and Ville Ritola (the “Flying Wolf”), both of whom went on to win Olympic gold medals.
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Walked the course. This was my 33rd year in a row. Used to run times below 40 minutes, but now after suffering from spinal stenosis, and having a fusion (L 4, L5, S1) I walk to course. Still love the race, and canât wait for the next Thanksgiving!