Add physical activity to your Thanksgiving celebration

Give thanks for good health this Thanksgiving by adding a new physically active tradition to your family’s celebration. 

It’s not a far-fetched idea. In fact, Thanksgiving Day boasts more run/walk races than any other day of the year. A record high 726 Thanksgiving Day races were recorded nationwide in 2016, with nearly a million finishers!

We’ve rounded up a few ideas for you to consider locally, including some tips for a do-it-yourself event at home.

Drumstick Dash

Where: Broad Ripple
Time: 8 a.m. festivities, 9 a.m. race, 10:30 a.m. Li’l Gobbler’s Run

The 15th annual Drumstick Dash takes participants on a 4.6 mile course along Broad Ripple Ave, Keystone, Kessler, and College, including an extra jaunt across the canal and along the bank of White River. A shortened 2.75 mile course is also provided. The course starts at Broad Ripple High School, 1115 Broad Ripple Avenue. 

Proceeds from the event benefit Wheeler Mission for the homeless. Kids 7 and under are free. “Late” registration fees (available now through Nov. 22) range from $30-$40. 

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Turkey Trot 5K

Where: Crown Hill Cemetery
Time: 7:30 a.m. registration, 8:30 a.m. run, 8:40 a.m. walk

The Turkey Trot takes participants through Crown Hill Cemetery, one of the nation’s largest private cemeteries. See sculptures and architecture by renowned artists as well as the graves of President Benjamin Harrison and poet James Whitcomb Riley. Runners are encouraged to dress in costume, and a Best Costume Award is given.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation. All registration takes place at the event. Fees to be announced. 

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Gobble Gallop 5K

Where: Avon
Time: 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. 5K start, 9 a.m. Kids Run

Join the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA for a family event including a 5K run/walk and Kids Fun Quarter Mile Run. The 5K course is flat and includes a dense residential area as well as the trails of the Y campus. 

Proceeds support the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA’s annual fund. “Late” registration rates now through race day are $37 per individual, $128 per family. The Kids Fun Quarter Mile Run is free. 

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Bolt for the Heart 5K

Where: Carmel
Time: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Packet pick up/registration (if available), 9 a.m.

The 6th annual Bolt for the Heart features a USA Track & Field Certifed course that starts at the Palladium Center Green and winds through downtown Main Street and a section of the Monon Trail.

Proceeds provide AEDs for Indiana State Trooper Patrol cars. Registration is $35 per individual through 11/20; get $5 off per person when registering a family of four or more. Ages 5 and under are free. “Perky turkeys” over age 75 are also free. 

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Create Your Own

If an organized public event doesn’t fit your schedule, budget, or stye, start your own simple “Gobble Wobble” at your family’s celebration. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you want to make it. Consider these possibilities:

• Take a family walk in the neighborhood or a nearby park before or after your meal. Show your flair by wearing silly hats, or add kazoos and homemade maracas for a musical parade. 
• Have a hula hoop contest. 
• Set up an obstacle course using items from around the house: sidewalk chalk, pool noodles or rolled up beach towels, laundry baskets, 2x4s, string, garden hoses, tables…Find out how.
• Turn on some music and dance.
• Go for a bike ride.

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