Thanksgiving Day running events made a return in the Twin Cities Thursday morning after the COVID-19 pandemic forced many to either go virtual in 2020, or cancel all together.
Among the largest events to return was the 9th annual Turkey Trot in St. Paul where thousands were expected to take part in both the 10K and 6K runs.
"It's absolutely liberating and exciting," said Mike Cofrin, president of the MN Run Series which produces several holiday-focused running events, such as the Turkey Trot in St. Paul. "It's exciting to be producing running events, which is our passion. We're just thrilled over here."
Due to a reduced risk in outdoor COVID-19 transmission rates, Cofrin said they felt confident that returning in-person was the right move in 2021.
"In areas where congregate like start and finish line areas, we encourage mask wearing," he said. "It's really pretty simple on the broader sense when you're thinking about managing this in an outdoor setting."
Thursday morning also marked the return of the Drumstick Dash at Lake Harriet in southwest Minneapolis. Race director Barb Leininger said there just too many uncertainties to confidently hold an event in 2020.
"There were still restrictions at this time last year on outdoor sporting events," Leininger said. "It's very difficult to economically put on a race for 500 participants."
2021 marked the 16th year and 15th edition of the Drumstick Dash.
"We emphasize it as a family event," she added. "We actually have a contest and prizes for the family with the most runners that completes any event."
The Thanksgiving Day running event menu at the Drumstick Dash included a 10K, Pi Run (3.14 miles), along with the Cranberry Cruise mile and kids run.
Both the St. Paul Turkey Trot and the Drumstick Dash at Lake Harriet were looking to raise monetary or food donations on Thursday. The food and monetary donations in St. Paul benefited The Open Door Pantry while the Drumstick Dash raised funds for Twin Cities nonprofit, Mile in My Shoes.
"I've always been a supporter of organizations that use running to inspire confidence in individuals," Leininger added. "That's one of the things Mile in My Shoes does with their organization."
Both running events were scheduled to get underway at 7:30 a.m. Thursday.