On Thanksgiving morning in Upper Arlington, as people’s turkeys roast, thousands of runners will lace up their sneakers with friends and family to participate in the 40th annual Columbus Turkey Trot.
The race has been a cherished tradition for many people across the country, as it has brought decades of joy and exercise to help start the holiday on a cheerful note. Each year, the event welcomes runners of all skill levels, from competitive athletes to families walking together, to create an atmosphere that feels more like a community celebration rather than a race.
The trot offers a five mile race or a 2.6 mile “walk n’ talk,” along with the “Dick’s Tot Trot” pre-race for kids nine and under. The race begins at 9 a.m. at the Shops on Lane Avenue, and participants often come wearing Thanksgiving-themed costumes or even turkey-like outfits, bringing a level of entertainment to the race. Spectators line the streets carrying signs and cheering while local volunteers hand out water and snacks throughout the race to keep everyone energized.
Not only is the trot a fun time for everyone, but it is also a great fundraiser for the Central and Southeast Ohio Easterseals, which raises money for children with disabilities. Over the years, the event has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Easterseals, making it one of the most significant charity runs in the area. This year, finishers will receive a quarter-zip and medal featuring the race logo, designed by Thaniel Bulau, an Easterseals Early Intervention student.
Turkey Trot director, Jeff Sheard, explained how the race is organized each year and how it has brought people together.
“Some of the kids who run with their parents are a part of the Easterseals program, and the people watching and cheering them on often say it brings tears to their eyes to see the kids out there,” Sheard said.
Every year, it takes countless hours of work and commitment to plan this event, but the hard work always pays off. Planning begins months in advance, with a dedicated group coordinating permits, volunteers, sponsors and safety measures to ensure the event goes smoothly.
“It is a group effort, and no one takes all the credit for it. It is something that people are proud of, and it is just a feel-good thing,” Sheard said.
Many students at Upper Arlington High School also spend their Thanksgiving morning participating in this community tradition. Junior Dillon Wiles runs the race with her friends every year, and she loves getting to walk and talk with them while also exercising.
“I would tell other students to run it because it is so much fun, and it gets you ready for your Thanksgiving dinner. I also love having the opportunity to gather with the community and make really great memories with my friends,” Wiles said.
The Turkey Trot has also become a significant family tradition for many, as it brings people closer together. Junior Lexi Hartzell’s family participates in the race every year, as it has become a large part of their Thanksgiving traditions. They will be running alongside each other for their sixth year together in this upcoming race.
“We all like to get up early on the morning of Thanksgiving so we can be together and run. My mom is really competitive, so she always tries to beat me and my dad to the finish line, which always makes it even more fun and comical,” Hartzell said.
Her family’s traditions are just one example of how the annual event brings people together. Hartzell thinks it is an excellent idea for other families to run it because it is a great way to spend time exercising with loved ones.
“I would tell other families that they should definitely do it because it’s a very memorable way to bring your family closer together. It brings mine closer because we get to go on runs together and be more a part of the community,” Hartzell said.
From young children to grandparents, every runner has their own reason to participate: some for fitness, others for charity, but most for the joy of doing something meaningful together.
For students like Wiles and families like the Hartzells, the race is not about the finish line; it is about starting the day together with the people they are thankful for. After four decades, the Columbus Turkey Trot has proven to be more than just a race; it is a symbol of togetherness, gratitude and the significance of the holiday itself.
