Over 21,000 participated in the 24th annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. The primary sponsor, ThunderCloud Subs, hoped to raise at least $300,000 to benefit Caritas of Austin. A few full-costumed pilgrims and turkeys were in the crowd, but more-practical hats and headbands abounded. At the 9:30 start time, the weather was sunny, but cool, with temperatures in the upper 40s. Perfect running weather!

The race’s five-mile loop started on the First Street bridge, went up Lavaca to 15th Street,  headed west on Enfield to the Mopac service road, and then finally east on Cesar Chavez. With so many participants, the road was very crowded for the first mile. There were some gradual inclines along the way, but the biggest hills (down and back up) was over the Lamar bridge. As in past years, that’s my favorite spot to stop, catch my breath, and snap a photo.

The usual water, energy drinks, fruits, and muffins were waiting at the finish line. Most people left quickly…probably anxious to fit in a Thanksgiving meal before the big UT-TCU football game later that day.

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