Summary
Before Thanksgiving dinner, many Americans participate in a "turkey trot," a tradition involving a run or jog. This activity has become popular not just for burning calories but also for boosting mood and energy. The trend is a part of the growing interest in running, with an increase in participation seen across the country.
Key Facts
- Thanksgiving turkey trots are footraces held on the morning of November 27.
- Over 51 million people in the U.S. went running or jogging at least once in 2024.
- The average American expects to eat about 2,092 calories at Thanksgiving dinner.
- A short run before the meal helps increase metabolism and regulate appetite.
- Running a 5K before dinner can help burn calories but doesn't fully offset a large meal.
- It can take about 1.6 to 3.6 hours of running to burn the calories from a Thanksgiving dinner.
- Light movement after a meal, like walking, aids digestion and steady blood sugar.
- The turkey trot tradition began in Buffalo, New York, in 1896.
