5K, 10K, half-marathon offer competition, exercise, fun and prizes
Thanksgiving Day races have become as integral to the holiday as turkey and pumpkin pie. With roots in the 19th century, the races have become popular by often supporting a good cause while also offering families something to do as they wait for the big meal, burning off some calories before indulging. Following are four Thanksgiving races happening in and around Cincinnati.
Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race
The county’s sixth-oldest race will return after the pandemic forced its cancellation last year. The 10K, first run in 1908, will begin at Paul Brown Stadium. Charities that will benefit from runners include the UC Barrett Cancer Center, Cancer Free Kids, the Alzheimer’s Association, Girls on the Run and Keep Cincinnati Beautiful. All participants will receive running gloves and a gift bag with an option to buy a long-sleeve souvenir T-shirt. More information and registration can be found on the race’s website.
Young Life Gobble Gobble 5K
Eastern Cincinnati Young Life will host its 20th annual Gobble Gobble 5K at Swaim Park in Montgomery this Thanksgiving morning. Offering both a 5K walk and run, the race will benefit the organization’s various ministries throughout the Cincinnati area. Prizes for the top finishers will be provided, and door prizes will be available to win. The first 1,000 registrants will receive a long-sleeve technical shirt, and the first 100 will receive a special 20th-anniversary gift. More information and registration can be found on the race’s website.
Hamilton Thanksgiving Day 5K for YoungLives
The Hamilton Thanksgiving Day 5K serves to benefit YoungLives, an organization that offers teen moms or pregnant teens a chance to work with a mentor while also building relationships with their peers. Participants will begin in Marcum Park in Hamilton and travel through the city before looping back around to the park. Registrants will receive a race bag full of gifts from the race’s sponsor, and all finishers will receive a medal. More information and registration can be found on the race’s website.
Cincinnati Hungry Turkey Half Marathon and 5K
Those who can’t make it out to a race on Thanksgiving Day or those looking for a longer course should check out the Cincinnati Hungry Turkey, which will take place Nov. 27, the Saturday following Thanksgiving. The race will begin at Otto Armleder Memorial Park and benefit Whole Again, an organization that provides meals and educational and enrichment programming to vulnerable youth. Each participant will receive a long-sleeve commemorative T-shirt, and finishers will receive a medal and a doughnut from Holtman’s Donuts. More information and registration can be found on the race’s website.
