Thanksgiving morning race = extra slice of pie!
The reason for running this season
The Flemington Turkey Trot 5K was the only race on Thanksgiving morning in my area for years. Slowly other races popped up, but the Flemington race is still my favorite. I like the small town atmosphere, the historic buildings, the townsfolk that come out and cheer you on, and the overall feel of the race. Everyone is in good spirits, and when it’s over you feel like you were a part of something bigger. Or maybe I just tell myself that, and what I really fell in love with is the mental excuse to have another slice of pumpkin pie later.
The fledgling race grows up
Although the first race was in 1992, my debut was 2002, when a mere 1246 runners participated. Each passing year sees the race field grow larger, with 4085 runners this year (2016). Of course this doesn’t include registered walkers and unregistered runners. I have to hand it to the race directors – they do a pretty good job keeping all 5,000 participants in line.
As you can imagine, with that many people descending on this little town, parking is a premium. The streets are lined with cars on both sides, and that leaves very little room for a flock of runners this big. Thankfully walkers will start five minutes later, and follow a shorter, slightly different route. It helps alleviate some of the congestion, but I steel feel like one of many cattle in the herd.
Race the Flemington Turkey Trot incognito – it adds to the fun
The weather is cooperative, and it’s a sunny yet balmy 45 degrees when we start off. I remember running in sleet some years, and bitter cold in others. I am abreast of Santa Claus, but he’s a little faster than I am and slowly pulling away. Costumes are prevalent. Every year there are lots of turkey hats and a few whole turkey suits. This year, along with Santa – whose pompom hat is bobbing up and down with each step, I spy an elf and a couple of pink flamingos. Years past saw the Grinch, Snoopy, and the Mayflower as well as bananas, and pilgrims make appearances.
The Flemington tug-o-war
Flemington is currently in the midst of an emotional civil battle…torn in half by those that support changing the main street, which includes leveling several historic buildings and building more modern structures, and those that insist on renovating the historic buildings and preserving the downtown area. Signs dot the lawns along the race route championing one side or the other. The biggest controversy seems to surround the iconic Union Hotel. A petition to save it has 1889 signatures as I write this, but the issue seems to be a long way away from a resolution.
While admiring the homes as we continue along, I pass by a house with two full-size velociraptors in the front yard wearing Santa hats. It’s times like these when I wish I carried a camera with me on my runs. As we wind the corner near the train station, I see the Santa hat bobbing up ahead. At this point, there’s only a half mile to go in the Flemington Turkey Trot, and I’m sweating bullets. I can only imagine how hot Santa is in his furry red suit.
In the end, everyone wins
Flemington Turkey Trot swag
As I cross the finish line, they hand me a cool finisher medal. We used to get ribbons, so the medal is a surprise. I was also surprised to get a choice of T-shirt colors this year…I chose pink, just because.
The Flemington Turkey Trot 5K benefits a great cause, and I’m glad to do my small part to help the Center for Educational Advancement (CEA) and the CEA school. They help people with disabilities complete their educations and find jobs in the community. Next Thanksgiving, consider spending your morning with all of us. It’s a great way to start the holiday season and give back to the community at the same time. And don’t forget the mental excuse for another slice of pie!