Over one million people in the US normally run a 5k or 10k on Thanksgiving morning but not this year

Thanksgiving Day has long been the most popular day in the U.S. to run a race. Every year more than 1 million people lace up their shoes and take off on a 5K or 10K run somewhere in the country before sitting down to a big meal. And this year?

“I don’t think you’ll find a live event anywhere in California,” said Michelle Lindner, organizer of Turkey Trot Los Angeles, which typically starts at City Hall in downtown L.A. That assertion is mostly true. Websites for a few races in Orange County say they’ll host in-person events with staggered start times and social-distancing rules.

Most turkey trots in Southern California, however, are keeping the race tradition alive with virtual runs. If you haven’t done one, here’s how it works: You sign up and then pick the route, time and date for your personal 5K or 10K. You can run alone or with someone in your COVID-19 bubble but not in a group. (L.A. County limits outdoor group gatherings to three households.)

And because it’s virtual, many races are encouraging people to not only run but also walk, bike, treadmill or ride your Peloton; it all counts.

posted Monday November 16th