According to Runners World, the first Turkey Trot was run in 1896 in Buffalo, New York. Six people ran an eight-kilometer race, and only four of them finished - one blamed his late breakfast. But Buffalo kept hosting the race, and with this year's race, it's the oldest continuous foot race in the U.S. Turkey Trots have become a national tradition on Thanksgiving morning in communities all over America.
This November 24, starting at 8 a.m. Tara Bové will host her 16th annual Tara’s Turkey Trot. The three- or six-mile run/walk starts from her home (8612 Fairway Green Drive, Fair Oaks Ranch) and finishes in her front yard with refreshments, mimosas and treats! Tara’s Turkey Trot began in 2006 when Tara and a group of moms were training for marathons. The idea was planted for this annual tradition after reading about something similar in a Cooking Light magazine. What started with a small group of fifteen friends and neighbors has grown significantly over the years. “It’s all about community and providing an opportunity to pause on a day typically filled with over-consumption, to honor God and give thanks.”
The Trot requires zero training and is an opportunity for neighbors of all ages to come together to celebrate gratitude in the community and purposely move our bodies on a day when most of us will enjoy a little too much of that wonderfully-prepared food.
The race provides a low-stress, positive moment for families to do something together during the holidays. Although there is no entry fee, over the years various ministries have benefited through participants' generosity raising thousands of pounds of food for Hill Country Daily Bread. They have contributed hundreds of dollars to organizations like Partnership to End Addiction and foreign mission groups.
This year, Tara is partnering with the Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center. On the morning of the Trot donations will be accepted of new fall and light winter boys' and girls' clothing sizes newborn to 5T; boys and girls toddler shoes sizes 5 to 8; and crib sheets. Financial donations are also accepted.
Roll right out of bed or run in a costume – you will find neighbors as well as their out-of-town guests gathering at Tara's. The benefit is knowing you will mitigate some of the calories you'll be consuming a few hours later - whether you walk or are a competitive runner. There will be a water station, laughs, new friendships made, and friends cheering neighbors on!
So come on out and help us support The Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center! Huge thanks to Franklin Park Boerne Assisted Living and Memory Care for sponsoring the food at this year’s event! For more information or to register visit Tara’s Turkey Trot page on Facebook.