More than 350 runners gobble up calories in the 18th Annual Hartsville Familly YMCA Turkey Trot

More than 350 runners from across the Pee Dee and as far away as Virginia and Georgia woke up early and braved the cold Thanksgiving day to participate in the 18th annual Hartsville Family YMCA Turkey Trot.

The temperature was a chilly 44 degrees and a thick fog covered the streets of downtown Hartsville at 8 a.m. when the gun shot went off, signaling the start of the 5k race.

Children as young as 7 and 8 years old to adults up to age 86, laced up their sneakers to run the 3.1 mile route.

Howard Tripp, the COO of the YMCA Upper Pee Dee, said turkey trots are a staple in towns across the country.

“They are very popular. Most of the time it’s one of the biggest races you’re going to have in your local communities. It’s just something to do Thanksgiving morning before everybody gets together with their family and has a great meal,” he said.

For Isaac Dixon, the race is all about getting some exercise before the big meal.

“It helps me to make some space for the Thanksgiving turkey that I’m gonna be eating. So I have a lot of room,” he said.

The Hartsville trot is unique in the fact that it is a longstanding tradition for the community and is usually a family affair, Tripp said.

“We have so many return runners. There are a handful of runners that have been here for all 18 of our races. And there are people who now bring their kids and run with their children,” he said.