Turkey Trots Provide Healthy Starts to Thanksgiving Celebrations

allthingsjenilee

Dec 7, 20223 min read

Updated: Dec 13, 2022

WOODLAND HILLS, CA — The Long Beach Turkey Trot has been held on Thanksgiving Day for the last 20 years on the beach walking path. Justin Rudd, who is the founder of the nonprofit organization, Community Action Team organizes the event. This year, there was a 5K and 10K run for adults with two starting times and a kid’s half-mile “wingding.” The money that’s raised from the registration fees goes to the nonprofit organization.

People show up in costumes and add a festive element to the event during the 2018 Turkey Trot. (Photo Credit: Kelly Smiley)

The Turkey Trot brings families and friends together, and it allows people to get a little bit of exercise in before eating their large Thanksgiving meals.

“I started the Long Beach Turkey Trot about 20 years ago, here on the beach bike path. And today we had about 2,300 runners and walkers,” said Rudd.

Footballs, ribbons, and pies are handed out depending on runners’ finishing positions. They provide water and snacks for participants, and each year people are asked to bring food to donate, which goes to a different group. This year it went to Aids Food Store.

“We’re not asking for a lot. We’re asking for whatever people can give. Some people bring a can or two, other people are bringing entire grocery bags, and it’s a good event to give,” said Jean Hartman who’s the President of Aids Food Store.

People walk in the t-shirts that are given out at registration in 2017. (Photo Credit: Scott Varley, Press-Telegram)

Community Action Team events and projects include the monthly 30-Minute Beach Cleanup, the Long Beach Giving Project, Haute Dogs, the $1,000 National Kids Spelling Bee, the National Adult Spelling Bee, the Fourth of July Kids' Bike Parade, Operation Easter Basket, Operation Santa Paws, Long Beach Losers, the Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, Miss Long Beach and more. “The group puts on more than 40 annual projects, events, and contests focused mostly on animal, environmental and youth welfare,” according to their website.

The Long Beach Turkey Trot, in particular, has become a tradition for many families in the area. Some people have been attending since they were young and continue to come out.

“There were some little kids here 20 years ago, and now they’re not so little. They’re grown up. They’re in college and out of college,” said Rudd.

Sydney Carlson is one of those who has run the Turkey Trot from a young age and placed first in one of the 5Ks.

Sydney Carlson crosses the finish line at the Long Beach Turkey Trot on November 24, 2022. (Photo Credit: Jenilee Borek)

“Having an accomplishment like that and thinking hey, I’m so healthy I’m able to run and do this, it’s something I really am grateful for,” said Carlson.

The Turkey Trot creates a sense of community, and people are happy to share what they’re grateful for since it’s on Thanksgiving Day. There are multiple Turkey Trots throughout Los Angeles, and this one continues to be popular since it benefits the charity and gets people active before indulging with friends and family.

VIDEO

Jenilee reports on the 2022 Long Beach Turkey Trot