Thanksgiving is fast upon us, and it’s time once again for that fun holiday 5K run. It’s time for Charleston’s own Turkey Trot, officially called the Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble. It takes place on Thanksgiving morning, on a scenic route in downtown Charleston. The Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble 5K is a great way to assuage some of that holiday overindulgence guilt. The generic term for these events is “turkey trot.” In Charleston’s case, the Gobble Wobble part of the name is for those who’d prefer a walk to a run. You can find these turkey trots taking place all over the United States. Not surprisingly, their numbers increase each year. In fact, it turns out that Thanksgiving Day is the number one day in America for running/walking events. FYI, Fourth of July is the second most popular holiday for these races. New Year’s Eve/Day is third.
All About the Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble
As for Charleston’s version, it’s sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, with proceeds going to a myriad of charities. There’s a whole giant list of charities that benefit from the Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble. You can read about them here. It has a history that dates back about a century. At one point it even ran from Charleston to Summerville. In its current form as a true 3.1 mile/5K run and walk, it is officially the 42nd annual one. The 5K will attract registrants from all over North America and is second in size only to the Cooper River Bridge Run. It’s a U. S. Track & Field certified event. The course itself is lovely, as it travels down and back up the historic spine of the peninsula. It kicks off at Marion Square, heads down Meeting Street to White Point Gardens, along The Battery and Murray Boulevard, then up King back to Marion Square. It’s also a lot of festive fun, as people often come ready to run in costume. The run kicks off promptly at 9:00 Thursday, with shorter length runs for the kids beginning at 10:00 a.m. There will be a fun post-race party with live music and the awards ceremony, free food and beverages, including a beer garden for those 21 and over. Get all the info, including registration details, at the official website.
Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner
If you are cooking or helping to cook Thanksgiving dinner, you can get great tips from the pros. Read all about it in that last blog. If you’d rather go out for Thanksgiving dinner, there is nothing wrong with that. Charleston is blessed with an overabundance of great restaurants. And several have decided to stay open and serve those who would rather eat out and let someone else grapple with the hassles. The Post and Courier has compiled a list of places open for your Thanksgiving dining. They also list menu options and pricing, which helps. Many are prix fixe menus with their take on traditional Thanksgiving fare. Read the latest list here. You are STRONGLY urged to make reservations as soon as possible since these spots fill up fast. So check out the Turkey Day Run and Gobble Wobble, and maybe leave the cooking to the talented chefs of Charleston. And call EP for the best in beach rentals Charleston, great for the holidays or any time of the year. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger