The Turkey Trot race in South Florida is wrapping up, marking the start of Thanksgiving celebrations in the area in a lively manner. The sound of the starting gun echoed through Tropical Park just after 7 a.m. as participants took off for this festive 10-kilometer race.
Alejandro Ocaña from Spain was among the frontrunners at the starting line, ultimately winning the 10K event. He expressed his excitement, saying, “It was truly impressive. I’ve participated in previous years, and this race was incredibly fast. In past years, we ran it in about 32 minutes, but this year we finished in under 31 minutes. Running 10K is tough, but while the heat was manageable, the humidity was quite high.”
Runners began arriving at Tropical Park as early as 4 a.m. “This is a race for the entire family. The families have grown with us,” explained Frankie Ruiz, the race director.
The Turkey Trot event featured races for all ages, with young participants getting the chance to run distances of 100 and 300 meters. Ruiz highlighted, “The 5K and 10K races, along with those for kids, are among the most beautiful events of the year.”
For some participants, today represented a significant milestone. Carla Palmer, a first-time runner, shared her sentiments: “This is my first time running in an organized race. I’m a bit nervous, but I love starting this Thanksgiving Day with activity, which means I can enjoy all the food later. I’m excited!”
For the past 30 years, residents of South Florida have kickstarted their Thanksgiving celebrations with the Turkey Trot, bringing together children, adults, and families for a spirited start to the day.
The spirit of community and health shines brightly through events like the Turkey Trot, where families bond over fitness and tradition, ensuring a meaningful start to the Thanksgiving holiday. This year’s record times and the growing participation only add to the festivities, promising an exciting future for this beloved event.