Make Your Thanksgiving an Active One

While you and your family may be starting to plan for your Thanksgiving meal next week, keep in mind that Thanksgiving weekend is also an excellent time to incorporate vigorous, outdoor activity into your weekend. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend boasts more run/walk “turkey trot” races thank any other day of the year, and many of them encourage families to participate together.  Many of these races are also fundraisers to support local charitable organizations.  

Children running outside holding hands in a line

The Drumstick Dash
9:00 a.m. – 4.6 Mile and 2.75 Mile Start
10:15 a.m. – Lil’ Gobbler’s Run
Race begins on Broad Ripple Ave. in front of Broad Ripple High School.
1055 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
P
roceeds support Wheeler Mission.

Turkey Trot 5K
The Turkey Trot winds through the beautiful grounds of Crown Hill Cemetery. There’s a good chance you’ll see a herd of deer as you enjoy the rolling hills and a trip to the top of the Crown. All registration takes place on the morning of the event beginning at 7:30 a.m. All proceeds will benefit the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation. 

  • 7:30 a.m. – Turkey Trot Registration
  • 8:30 a.m. – 5K Run Start
  • 8:40 a.m. – 5K Walk Start

Gobble Gallop 5KNOVEMBER 22, 2018 @ 8:00 AM – 10:00 AMWHERE: Hendricks Regional Health YMCA, 301 Satori Pkwy, Avon, IN 461235k runraceThanksgiving
Join the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA for our 7th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K on November 22, 2018, part of the Inspire Indy 5K series. The Gobble Gallop 5K is the largest annual fundraising event in support of the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, which ensures that everyone can experience the benefits of Y membership, including health, fitness and education.  Bolt for the Heart 5KWhere:  Carmel,
Time: 7:30-8:30 a.m. packet pickup and registration; race at 9:00 a.m.
The 7th annual Bolt for the Heart features a USA Track and Field Certified course that starts at the Palladium Center Green and winds through downtown Main Street and a section of the Monon Trail.  Proceeds provide AEDs to Indiana State Trooper Patrol Cars. 

For a complete list of central Indiana races, you can find one here near you.  

If a run/walk race isn’t going to be your thing this Thanksgiving weekend, you may still want to support charities that help our food insecure neighbors.  Some of Jump IN’s partners are Gleaners, Second Helpings, the Community Cupboard of Lawrence, the Sharing Place, and the pantry at Carriage House East.  Visit the Hunger in Your Community page on Gleaners website to learn about pantries near you and how you can support them.  As always, be sure to support them with healthy options. We’ve added a link to a list of healthy donations that pantries need.  

Father pushing kids in a wheelbarrow in the fall

In addition to the run/walk races, there are lots of outdoor family activities that can get you moving this week in central Indiana:  Christmas at the ZooWinterlights, the Circle of Lights, and many more.  

From your friends at a Jump IN, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!