Henry Rahe was the overall youth winner for ages 12 and under in the 2021 race, coming in at 26th place with a time of 25:10.
GREENFIELD — Andrea Mallory shares some logic when encouraging others to participate in the Turkey Day 5K or 1-mile fun run on Thanksgiving morning.
“It’s a great way to kick off your family festivities and burn more calories so you can eat more food,” she said.
The downtown Greenfield event is one of two Thanksgiving Day 5Ks in Hancock County.
The Shirley Turkey Trot has been drawing early-morning runners and walkers out to the small town for years.
Both events raise money for a good cause.
In Greenfield, proceeds from the Turkey Day 5K are divided between group organizers Greenfield Parks & Recreation, Greenfield Main Street, and Hancock Hope House.
The Shirley event, hosted by Shirley Wilkinson Community United Methodist Church, raises money for local charities including a food pantry, ministerial alliance and summer meal program.
The five kilometer (3.1-mile) race starts at the church at 8 a.m. Greenfield’s race starts at 9 a.m. at Greenfield Christian Church.
Both events have become a beloved family tradition for many.
Greg Hall’s family has done the Turkey Day 5K each year with his family, including his wife Shannon and their six kids.
“It’s just something fun and different to do rather than just sitting around waiting for the food to get done,” said the Greenfield man.
While two of his four kids have now left the house and are serving in the military, the others — ages 12-14 — plan to continue the tradition this year.
“We don’t get to do a lot of fun things together as a family because we’re usually all going in different directions, so it’s nice to have this each year,” said Hall, whose children typically encourage him to run the whole way.
“They drag me all the way to the finish line,” he said.
Hall encourages others to participate in the Turkey Day 5K as a member of the City of Greenfield’s Wellness Committee, which covers the cost of participating in the event for city employees and their families.
Mallory, who serves as executive director for Hancock Hope House, said the event is a great opportunity for families to focus on fitness before heading home to a big meal. While many families have made the Turkey Day 5K a part of their holiday, others enjoy coming out solo to enjoy a brisk run.
Silly costumes and dogs on leashes are always welcome, said Mallory.
An avid runner herself, she enjoys throwing on a hat and gloves and making the early morning run through town each year.
The Greenfield route takes participants on a loop through the downtown area, including Main Street and the Pennsy Trail. Although the city is typically quiet on Thanksgiving morning, Mallory said the 5K is a great way to show off the downtown shops and the Pennsy Trail, especially for those visiting from out of town.
Last year’s Thanksgiving Day 5K drew a record 433 participants, up from 150 the first year, including people from multiple states who were in town for the holidays.
The cost for Greenfield’s timed and chipped 5K is $40 for adults and $15 for youth; the cost for the 1-mile fun run is $30 for adults and $15 for youth. Medals will be awarded to the first 350 to cross the finish line.
In Shirley, the event costs $20 for adults and $15 for youth. Trophies are awarded to the top finishers in each age group.
For more information or to register, go to GreenfieldTurkeyDay5K.com or visit the Shirley Turkey Trot page on Facebook.
