When Texans think of Turkey Trots, we often think of early risers who get up on Thanksgiving morning to run a couple of miles before the day’s main event: the big meal, which serves as an expression of our gratitude for all of God’s many blessings. But the pilgrims’ story isn’t the only tale to be told on Thanksgiving day. Turkey Trots have their own lore, and it’s one worth examining.

The first-ever Turkey Trot race took place in Buffalo, New York, in 1896. However, around the same time that Turkey Trot races were gaining popularity across the country, a different kind of Turkey Trot was beginning to grip the nation: a dance. It wasn’t a hit with everyone, which could be why the Turkey Trot race took a few decades to waddle its way into the Texas lexicon.

During the early 1900s, there was a rise in animal-inspired dances, including the Grizzly Bear and the Bunny Hug. These were very popular at the time but were not approved of by religious and government officials. The Turkey Trot was a specific dance that originated in 1909 on the West Coast and was known for being one of the most scandalous of its time by early 20^th century standards. In 1910, there were bans on the dance across the U.S. because many people viewed it as inappropriate.

The Turkey Trot dance was frowned upon by so many that even President-elect Woodrow Wilson refused to have an inaugural ball in 1913, fearing that his guests would do the Turkey Trot, and instead threw a public reception at the Capitol. The Vatican even condemned the dance. 

The controversy surrounding the dance didn’t stop the parallel rise in popularity of the Turkey Trot race, but it took a while for Turkey Trots in Texas to adopt the moniker and to be run by people instead of actual turkeys. In 1912, a South Texas town created a novel tradition: the running of the turkeys in Cuero. On November 25, 1912, Cuero held its first Turkey Trot with more than 20,000 turkeys running down the town’s streets to market. Turkey drivers – like cattle drivers, but for poultry – would come from all corners of the state to parade and sell their birds. The race drew in many spectators, including the then-Governor Oscar Branch Colquitt. 

For years, Texans would flock to Cuero to view the parade of turkeys. Towns all over Texas tried to replicate Cuero’s event beginning in the 1920s, including Sherman and Brady. Sherman created its own version of the parade that included a banquet of turkeys, geese, and ducks. Brady started its own Turkey Trot festival, complete with floats, entertainment, and a feast to honor the King and Queen of Turkeydom. 

In 1967, Dallas held the kind of Turkey Trot you and I are familiar with that was more focused on people doing the running than the fowl. The first-ever Texas Turkey Trot race was hosted by the Dallas YMCA 58 years ago with only 107 runners participating in a three-mile course. The following year, the race was held around White Rock Lake in East Dallas and was eight miles long. Just ten years later, the race was moved downtown due to its rise in popularity and space constraints. The number of participants has grown steadily over the years, with 2011’s trot having a record-setting total of 36,820 entries. This year’s proceeds will go to the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas to promote youth programs, wellness, and efforts to strengthen the North Texas community. 

Dallas is not the only city in Texas that has a large Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Houston, Austin, Plano, Irving, Fort Worth, and many more cities big and small throughout the Lone Star State host their own races as well. Many cities work with their local YMCAs, and others partner with charities to put on their Thanksgiving events. 

It is important to remember that Turkey Trot races are not just about burning a few hundred calories before packing on the pounds at Thanksgiving dinner; they are about joining with others to better your community while having a little fun along the way. I’ve had the pleasure of participating in multiple races that have ranged from a half marathon to shorter courses benefitting great causes like children’s health, local parks, and financial literacy education. During these races, I’ve learned that the distance you run doesn’t matter. It’s the act of raising awareness and resources for others that counts.

Whether you are racing in a Turkey Trot this year or cheering on family and friends from the sidelines, may we all do so remembering the greater cause we are serving and the impact each race has on our neighbors here in Texas. Turkey Trots are not just about getting some exercise before our Thanksgiving meal or about which family member had the fastest time – they are about making a difference and giving back to our community.