While some families spend their Thanksgiving mornings sleeping in and enjoying the holiday break, others approach the starting line bright and early for the annual Thanksgiving race. The race is hosted by the Pequot Runners and offers an opportunity for racers of all levels to partake in a 5 mile running course or 2.6 mile walk around Westport and Southport. Last year over 3,000 runners took part in the tradition that began in 1978.
Participants are required to buy a $46 dollar ticket that is composed of a fee and a t-shirt. The race takes place at 8:15 a.m on Nov. 27th; however, runners need to arrive at 6:30 a.m. for registration and packet pickups. After the race of rolling hills in unfavorable weather,there is an award ceremony around 9:30 a.m. that includes medals for top three female finishers, male finishers and for each top three age-group finishers. Additionally, all finishers can enjoy refreshments, music and a festive community atmosphere as they cross the finish line.
The race is also the largest fundraiser of the year for Pequot Runners, and all the proceeds are given back to community non-profits.
Multiple Staples students participate in the race every year accompanied by family and friends.
The race has become a tradition in Emilia Vegas ’28 family as she has been running it since she was 8 years old. “I would mostly just walk when I was really young, but I now push myself every year to keep jogging,” Vegas ’28 said.
Over the years, Vegas has multiple people there to keep her going during the race. “I think running it with my family is probably the best because we are able to do it together.”
Other Staples students are embarking on the race for the first time. Nadia Stubbs ’28 has run other 5 miles races but this is going to be her first time doing the Thanksgiving race in particular.
“I’m looking forward to running on Thanksgiving because of the excitement and anticipation that comes before the race,” Stubbs ’28 said.
She will be running this upcoming race alongside her dad doing something they both bond over.
“I love seeing the families who come to support their moms, dads, or siblings and end up cheering on everyone who is running. It really gives a sense of community.”
For a holiday all about being grateful, it is clear to see something everyone can be appreciative of is the people that make up Fairfield County. Hundreds of people come together, on a morning that should be spent inside, to celebrate the determination of the participants that definitely earned their share of the turkey.
