As the leaves begin to hint at the approach of Thanksgiving Day, many residents of Polk County, FL, lace up their shoes and head out for a run. The Turkey Trots held across the county have become a beloved tradition, not just for runners but for entire families who see the race as a way to start the holiday with energy, gratitude, and connection. These community footraces reflect both the spirit of healthy competition and the warmth of giving back.
Across the United States, Turkey Trots date back decades. The concept often involves a 5K run or walk on or around Thanksgiving, combining festive fun with charitable goals. In Polk County, that general tradition has taken on a distinct local character — built around small-town gathering, family participation, and a genuine sense of shared purpose.
Roots of Polk County’s Thanksgiving Runs
Unlike some major metropolitan Turkey Trots with historical roots in the 19th century, Polk County’s Turkey Trot tradition is more grassroots. One of the strongest examples is the Ultra Ultras Turkey Trot 5K, held annually at Lake Wailes Park in Lake Wales. The event offers both a paved 5K and a kids’ fun run, making it accessible to runners of all ages. After the race, participants share pumpkin pancakes, creating a warm, social ending.
The Lakeland Runners Club, a volunteer nonprofit based in Polk County, usually organizes or supports many of these Thanksgiving runs. Their events are built on community involvement: volunteers, local families, and runners from all walks of life come together to make the event meaningful. Over the years, this has grown into a Thanksgiving ritual that many in the county look forward to each November.
Passing the Baton Through Generations
One of the most special features of Turkey Trots in Polk County, FL, is how they bring together generations. Parents who once ran the race in their 20s now run alongside their children and even grandchildren. The Ultra Ultras Turkey Trot explicitly welcomes costumes — many runners don turkey outfits, fun hats, or themed gear — and families often make matching outfits part of the tradition.
Anecdotally, local runners have shared stories of multi-generation teams: grandparents jogging slowly, middle-aged parents pushing strollers, and kids darting ahead in the kids’ run. For many, it isn’t about who finishes first; it’s about being together, making memories, and giving thanks through movement.
Impact on the Community Through Charity
Far from being just a recreational run, Turkey Trots in Polk County often support community causes. For the Ultra Ultras Turkey Trot, a portion of the registration fee goes to the Lake Wales Recreation Center, strengthening local recreational infrastructure and supporting youth programs.
These runs also cultivate volunteerism—residents pitch in to help with packet pick-up, water stations, timing, and post-race food. This volunteer spirit deepens communal bonds, turning a race into a service project every Thanksgiving Day.
Moments That Make People Smile
Over the years, there have been numerous memorable moments that bring the Turkey Trot tradition to life. One early-morning race featured runners in full turkey costumes, complete with feathered headdresses and wattle-like scarves, bringing laughter and a light-hearted spirit. At the same time, kids in the fun run delighted the crowd with their energy, receiving ribbons regardless of their finishing time.
Another highlight: the communal pancake breakfast that follows the run. The smell of pumpkin pancakes wafts across Lake Wailes Park, creating a cozy, festive post-race gathering. That shared meal, served by volunteers, reinforces the idea that the race is more than competition — it’s a time to give thanks and give back.
Evolving Traditions and Growth
As Polk County continues to grow (its estimated population was 818,330 in 2023), its Turkey Trot traditions are evolving, too. What began as small, local fun runs has gradually scaled into more organized events with chip timing, shirts, medals, and fundraising components. For example, the 2025 Ultra Ultras Turkey Trot offers a timed 5K, awards, and guaranteed t-shirts for early registrants.
Despite this growth, the organizers strive to preserve the heart of the tradition — it remains community-focused, welcoming to all, and committed to making Thanksgiving Day something more than a run: a moment of belonging.
Why the Tradition Matters
For many Polk County residents, the Turkey Trot is not just a race — it’s a way to mark time. It signals the start of the holiday with purpose: families running or walking together, volunteers giving their time, and runners dedicating part of their race fee to community initiatives. This blend of fitness, fellowship, and philanthropy captures what many see as the best of Thanksgiving.
The Turkey Trot has also inspired healthier habits. For some, taking part in a 5K has been the push they needed to start running year-round; for others, it’s a yearly reward, a way to earn their Thanksgiving meal and start the day on a positive, active note.
A Legacy of Gratitude and Motion
In Polk County, FL, Turkey Trots are more than just foot races — they are expressions of gratitude, family, and shared purpose. Generations of runners, from toddlers to grandparents, tie their shoelaces for these runs not just to compete, but to connect. Year after year, the laughter, costumes, and pancakes evoke a sense of tradition that transcends timing chips and finish lines.
These runs also matter for the causes they support. Through the Ultra Ultras Turkey Trot and other local events, participants support community resources like the Lake Wales Recreation Center, reinforcing that fitness and generosity can go hand in hand. Meanwhile, volunteers and organizers nurture a sense of belonging that is rare on a holiday morning.
Ultimately, Polk County’s Turkey Trot traditions remind its residents that gratitude can be active, celebration can be charitable, and community can be built step by step. On Thanksgiving Day, when many wake early for the race, they do so not just to run, but to affirm their ties to one another — and to give thanks in motion.
Sources: lakelandrunnersclub.org, runsignup.com, en.wikipedia.org, usatoday.com
Header Image Source: pexels.com
