Runners dressed in costumes of all kinds take off from the starting line at a past Turkey Trot. This year's trot will begin in the same location between the covered basketball court and the elementary school and circle the Nature Trail three times on Thanksgiving Day.
Matt Nore, the pink unicorn, and Ryan Howe, Pooh Bear, head out from the starting line at the annual Turkey Trot at a past run.
It's becoming a tradition in communities across the United States, and Wrangell is no exception.
Every Thanksgiving Day morning, several hundred thousand walkers and runners across the country brave cold temperatures to race in turkey trots, footraces to help burn lots of calories before lots of calories are consumed.
The amount of people can vary. The Buffalo, New York, turkey trot averages about 14,000 participants a year. Run to Feed the Hungry in Sacramento, California, attracts 27,000 per year on average. Not quite as many as that turnout for the Wrangell trot.
"Typically, we see anywhere from 50 to 70 walkers and runners," said Lucy Robinson of the parks and recreation department. "Most people who show up run or walk the activity. With the colder temps, folks aren't keen on standing around, waiting to cheer participants on."
The 12th annual Turkey Trot in Wrangell will start at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, at the Volunteer Park Nature Trail. Signups begin at 8:45 a.m. at the covered basketball court behind Evergreen Elementary School. The 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) race course is a three-times loop of the Nature Trail. Though there isn't an entry fee, a donation of $10 is suggested.
Costumes are encouraged by race organizers to increase the fun. But don't worry if you don't have a turkey suit hanging in your closet for such an occasion.
"We have two totes full of onesie animal/creature-themed costumes," Robinson said. "We also have several turkey costumes and Thanksgiving-themed accessories to lend out."
Along with the satisfaction of knowing they can now safely eat stuffing until they're stuffed, runners will also be able to win door prizes.
"Angerman's supports this annual run by donating a pair of XtraTufs (as a prize)," Robinson said. "Wrangell Parks and Recreation will give away a one-month pass for an adult and child. We also request homemade pies for door prize options."
Robinson added, "The pies and the Tufs are always a favorite." Post-run snacks are also provided by the Parks and Recreation advisory board members.
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