Race Report: Turkey Day Run 5K (11.23.23)

When we finally decided to head to Charleston for Thanksgiving, the first thing we did was find the Turkey Day Run 5K for our Turkey Trot. First of all, it’s really not a holiday without a 5K. Secondly, South Carolina makes state #9 for my 50 Races in 50 States campaign. How’s that for serendipity?

Turkey Day Run 5k Packet Pickup

The Turkey Day Run 5k did have an expo the night before the race, but we didn’t make it in early enough to go. While I wanted to check it out, we were all tired from the long drive and wanted to settle in and have dinner instead.

However, when the morning came, we were ready to go. Meghan met us at our house, and we all drove to the race together. We found street parking, not too terribly far away from the venue, and made the trip there and back to get our bibs and shirts. We also got wristbands for post-race beer.

At The Start Line

After we got ourselves organized, we returned to take some photos and find our start corral. Although I don’t recall putting down a finish time, we ended up in the middle of the pack. Perfect.

Expectations were low. Meghan and I decided to walk the 5K, so we really were just there for the scenery and the vibes.

The Race

The Turkey Day Run 5K was a great way to see the city of Charleston, especially since this was my first time visiting. I didn’t really take any pictures because we were so involved in walking and talking, but that was ok.

The 5K stayed busy almost the whole way through, so we did have to do quite a bit of weaving through the crowds. That was ok, too. I remember a water stop, as well as very clear markings for the course. But we just went with the flow and once we saw the finish line, we kicked it into gear to finish.

Post Race

No medal for this 5k, which was a bummer (although the shirt was cute). Mr PugRunner grabbed us some snacks and we hopped in line for beer.

We were nowhere near the last ones done (still plenty of runners and walkers behind us), but the beer was at an end. I was a little annoyed because they were letting runner and non runners partake, and allowing people to take more than one cup at a time.

However, the Dewberry across the street offered an outdoor bar with mimosas, beer, and Bloody Mary’s for the runners, as well as pastries, so we just redirected ourselves there.

I had my very first Bloody Mary, as well as some yummy crumb cake, and it ended up being perfect, even if we had to pay for it.

We hung out on the gorgeous morning, before heading back to the house to get ready for the rest of our Thanksgiving.

Final Thoughts

I will always run a holiday race when I can, and this was perfect. Even though it was a huge event, everything was well organized (except for the beer) and people got in and out of the city fairly quickly.

I loved the course, with its water views and architecture, and I loved running in a new to me city. I would absolutely do it again!

Did you run a Turkey Trot or other holiday race?

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