Trot This Way

Turkey trots have become as synonymous with Thanksgiving Day as the feast itself. What began as a simple race at the YMCA in Buffalo, NY with only six participants back in 1896 has turned into one of the biggest running days of the year — more than one million people hit the pavement each holiday in the states.

To be part of this caloric offset, here are some races across Long Island happening Thursday, November 28. Choose by location or by charity.

On the South Fork, Montauk’s 43rd annual “Run for Fun” turkey day three- or six-mile run/walk is a rain, shine, or snow event. It begins at the Montauk Circle/Chamber of Commerce (742 Montauk Hwy), where registration will take place from 8 to 9:30 AM. Proceeds go to The Montauk Food Pantry, The East Hampton Food Pantry, The Springs Food Pantry, and Meals on Wheels. Head to www.montaukchamber.com for more details.

Check-in for the EMO turkey trot is from 7:30 to 8:45 AM at East Moriches Middle School (9 Adelaide Avenue). Rain or shine, this race benefits health and wellness opportunities for East Moriches students. Bringing non-perishable food donations is also suggested. Visit www.elitefeats.com to register.

On the North Fork, Mattituck-Cutchogue Teacher’s Association hosts the 14th annual Thanksgiving 5K turkey trot beginning at Mattituck High School (15125 Main Rd) at 9 AM. Proceeds will go to Community Action for Southold Town, a nonprofit education and research development organization, Alzheimer’s research in memory of Lois Dunne, and the teacher’s association’s senior scholarship fund. See www.mufsd.com to learn more, and register at www.just-in-time-racing.com.

Shoreham-Wading River’s 39th annual Thanksgiving Day foot races are a 5K and set of one-mile runs at the Miller Avenue School (3 Miller Ave in Shoreham). Those ages 13 and older can choose to race in the one-mile event at 8 AM, or 5K challenge at 8:50 AM. The one-mile fun run for kids 12 and younger starts at 8:15 AM. Proceeds go to the Shoreham-Wading River community program high school scholarship fund. Visit www.swrschools.org for more information.

The 12th annual Smiles Turkey Trot will happen in Blue Point (at 1 Corey Avenue at Corey Beach) and supports the Sayville-based nonprofit Kids Run Long Island. This event is a fun run with no age groups, but there will be an 8:30 AM slot for children under 10 — who will receive a turkey headband — to hit the ground running. The 5K run and 1.5-mile walk starts at 9 AM. More details can be found at www.kidsrunlongisland.org.

The Nissequogue River State Park Foundation’s 1K turkey trot and 5K run for the park will begin with a fun run at 8:30 AM (at 799 Saint Johnland Rd in Kings Park) at the Nissequogue River State Park administration building. Check-in is from 7:30 to 9 AM. A 5K run begins at 9 AM. All proceeds benefit Nissequogue River State Park. To learn more, visit www.ourstatepark.com.

The Townwide Fund of Huntington will have a fun run at 8:30 AM and a four-mile race at 9 AM at the American Legion (on Route 110 in Halesite). The rain or shine event benefits local charities. Register online at www.townwidefund.org.

Massapequa will raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in its annual run/walk. A fun run begins at 8:30 AM and a 5K starts at 9:15 AM at the John Burns Park. Head to www.turkeytrotmassapequa.com for more information.

Glen Cove Education Foundation will host an inaugural turkey trot, stepping off at Glen Cove High School. Check-in begins at 7:30 AM with the kids run beginning at 8:45 AM and the 5K at 9:30 AM. Register by calling 516-801-8140.

nicole@indyeastend.com
@NikkiOnTheDaily