Every Thanksgiving morning in Eastmark, AZ, the familiar sound of runners gathering at dawn is more than just preparation for the holiday feast — it’s a celebration of community, giving back, and tradition. What began as a way to get some exercise before the big meal has grown into a meaningful ritual for many families across the neighborhood. The Turkey Trots for Eastmark residents reflect a story that’s part national tradition, part local legacy, and all about the spirit of gratitude and togetherness.
While the aroma of roasting turkey may be in the air, many residents choose to lace up their shoes rather than don aprons. In Eastmark, the trot isn’t just about competing — it’s about making space for connection, for starting Thanksgiving Day on a joyful, shared note. For newcomers and longtime residents alike, this morning run offers a fresh way to mark the holiday: with movement, laughter, and purpose.
Roots of a Thanksgiving Running Ritual
The concept of the Turkey Trots stretches back much further than most people realize. The very first recorded race of this kind took place in Buffalo, New York, in 1896. The YMCA organized it and drew just six runners along dirt roads. Over time, what once was a small footrace evolved into large-scale events across the country. As running became more accessible and community-focused, more cities adopted the tradition, and Turkey Trots grew to include thousands of participants, often raising money for nonprofit causes.
What really accelerated growth was when families and casual runners began joining in. By the 1970s and 1980s, the Turkey Trot was no longer just for competitive runners. People dressed up in festive costumes—turkey suits, pilgrim hats—and made it a fun, inclusive way to start Thanksgiving.
Generations of Eastmark Runners
In Eastmark, AZ, the Turkey Trot tradition draws families of all ages. Grandparents, parents, and children all line up at the same starting line, trading stories and sharing race-day excitement. Many returning families talk about how the trot has become central to their Thanksgiving ritual — even more than the food preparation. For them, it’s a way to connect, to laugh at silly costumes, and to make memories before the feast begins.
Some local families have turned it into more than a one-off event. They compare bibs, recall last year’s costume wins, and encourage younger members to join in. For new residents, the trot offers a warm welcome: it’s a place where people gather every year, more for companionship than for speed. Those who might not think of themselves as “runners” still find joy walking or jogging the course with friends, thanks to the event’s famously relaxed and inclusive vibe.
Running With Purpose: Giving Back Through Strides
Turkey Trots in Eastmark don’t just bring the community together — they give back. Many of these runs support local charities, schools, or community organizations. While the specifics may vary from year to year, the spirit remains the same: running to help others. Across the country, Turkey Trots commonly raise funds for food banks, youth programs, and wellness initiatives.
Locally, funds raised in Eastmark support community outreach efforts to help those in need during the holiday season. Volunteers, sponsors, and participants all contribute. For many residents, participating isn’t just about personal health or tradition — it’s about doing something meaningful for others as part of their Thanksgiving Day routine.
Unforgettable Moments and Colorful Costumes
Over the years, the Turkey Trot has become known not just for its race but for its character. Runners often show up in turkey-themed costumes, colorful tutus, or creative outfits that capture the playful mood of the event. There have been lighthearted costume contests, and every year someone surprises the community with a quirky idea — from inflatable turkey suits to bright pilgrim outfits.
There are also memorable stories that locals retell long after the race ends. One year, a group formed a “family relay,” passing a foam turkey from one leg to the next. Another time, a trio of sisters dressed to match their childhood Thanksgiving dinner: one as a drumstick, another as a mashed potatoes bowl, and the third as a sweet potato pie. These experiences give the trot a personal touch that families talk about over dinner, building a rich archive of shared history.
Why the Tradition Matters to Eastmark
In a growing community like Eastmark, traditions like the Turkey Trot help people feel grounded. As neighborhoods change and new families move in, the trot offers a shared reference point — something everyone can join, regardless of running experience. It sends a message that Thanksgiving isn’t just about food, but also about community.
Moreover, the trot builds a culture of giving. By running together for a cause, participants reinforce the idea that gratitude involves action. It’s not just about being thankful for what you have — it’s also about using your time, energy, and footsteps to support others.
Looking Forward to Future Trotters
As Eastmark continues to grow, so too may its Turkey Trot tradition. New runners, new families, and new volunteers join each year. What started as a simple morning run has become part of the neighborhood’s fabric. For many, it’s a reminder that Thanksgiving Day is more than a holiday — it’s a movement, one that grows with every step.
Organizers are already thinking about how to expand or deepen the event: adding more charity partners, encouraging young people to volunteer, and introducing friendly competitions like relay teams or family awards. The goal remains the same: to bring people together early in the morning, uplift the community, and energize everyone for a day of gratitude.
A Tradition That Runs in the Heart
The Turkey Trots of Eastmark, AZ, reflect the best of community traditions: active, inclusive, meaningful, and joyful. What began as a lineage of foot races from across America now lives here, in the streets and sidewalks of Eastmark, carried forward by families, volunteers, and hopeful runners.
As the sun rises on Thanksgiving morning, the trot isn’t just about burning calories—it’s a way for people to connect, to give, and to celebrate. And for many, the memories built at the starting line are every bit as rich and satisfying as the feast that follows.
Sources: dealsfor.me, redtablemeats.com, postindependent.com, runnersworld.com, en.wikipedia.org
Header Image Source: dealsfor.me
