Thanksgiving mornings in our house start a little differently than most. While many families are prepping for the big feast, we lace up our sneakers, bundle up, and head out the door for our annual Thanksgiving 5K.
What started as a fun way for my husband and me to spend time together has quickly grown into a cherished family tradition. This year marks our third Thanksgiving 5K, and it’s already become something we can’t imagine the holiday without.
Why We Started Our Thanksgiving 5K Tradition
My husband and I have always loved working out together. When we saw that Plymouth had an annual Running of the Pilgrims Thanksgiving 5K a few years ago, it seemed like the perfect way to kick off the holiday—fun, active, and a chance to connect before the day got busy.
Our first year was just the two of us and our oldest (who rode along in the stroller). Last year, I was pregnant, so my daughter and I power-walked it together (her in her stroller!). We also welcomed a new course, which was absolutely beautiful. This year, our youngest is joining in on the other side, and my brother-in-law is joining us, making it our biggest turnout yet!
To us, it’s not just about getting out for the race; it’s about starting the day with movement, fresh air, and a shared sense of accomplishment.
How It’s Grown Over the Years
Every year, our little 5K tradition gets a bit bigger. Last year’s scenic new course made it feel even more special, and we love adding new people to the group—whether it’s family or friends who want to join the fun.
What I love most is how this tradition keeps evolving. It’s such a joy to see our kids tagging along (even if they’re still in strollers for now). We’re excited for the day when they’re old enough to walk or run it with us. We love to model healthy behaviors and feel like this is such a fun way to do it.
If you’re thinking about starting your own Thanksgiving 5K tradition, here are a few things we’ve learned along the way.
Tips for Starting Your Own Thanksgiving 5K Tradition
- Have fun. Whether running, walking, or just enjoying the festive atmosphere, the goal is to move and make memories.
- Bundle up. Wear layers that are easy to remove—think jackets, gloves, or hats that you can stash once you warm up.
- Prepare the night before. Lay out your clothes, pack snacks, and make sure the stroller (if needed) is ready to roll. A little prep goes a long way in making the morning stress-free. And don’t forget your sunscreen!
- Fuel up. Make sure everyone eats a light, energizing breakfast before heading out. (Bananas, oatmeal, and muffins are always winners for us.)
Most importantly, don’t worry about “winning” or perfect pacing. It’s about spending time together and creating memories.
Why This Tradition Means So Much to Us
For our family, the Thanksgiving 5K is about more than just getting outside. It’s about modeling healthy habits for our kids, showing them the joy of movement, and kicking off the holiday in a way that feels meaningful to us.
We plan to keep this tradition going for years to come, and we hope it inspires our kids to walk or run it with us when they’re older. It’s become a special way to connect, laugh, and make memories before the chaos of the holiday sets in.
Looking Back on How It Started
Looking back, what started as a fun idea is now a cherished tradition we can’t imagine Thanksgiving without. The first year, it was just us and a stroller. The next year, I was pregnant, power-walking with my daughter. This year, we’ve grown to include more family—and it feels like just the beginning.
Have you started any new family traditions recently? I’d love to hear about them—whether they’re active, creative, or just plain fun, share your favorites in the comments!
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