Before hunkering down to gobble down that mammoth meal, local folks pulled on their Nikes and pounded the pavement on Thursday, Nov. 23.
Enthusiastic runners in Los Angeles County kicked off their Thanksgiving Day with some early morning cardio during separate “turkey trot” events.
Drumstick Dash, billed by organizers as the largest Thanksgiving Day run in Los Angeles County, with approximately 7,500 participants.
The race benefits Hope the Mission, a nonprofit organization thatseeks to prevent, reduce and eliminate poverty, hunger and homelessness.
The course began at City Hall, went around Grand Park, passed the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Broad Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art, concluding at City Hall.
More than 4,000 runners and walkers participated.
In Long Beach, the 21st annual Turkey Trot, put on by Justin Rudd and his Community Action Team, took place at Rosie’s Dog Beach. It featured 5K and 10K courses for adults, with a half-mile route for kids.
Some runners donned costumes ranging from the Thanksgiving turkey itself to their favorite variety of pie.
The Turkey Trot helps raise funds for the CAT, which puts on more than 40 annual events, including monthly beach clean-ups, the Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest and the Interfaith Blessing of the Animals.
The 11th annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles, meanwhile, raised funds for the Midnight Mission, an Skid Row homeless shelter.
The LA Turkey Trot featured several options: A 1-mile jog, a 5K and a 5K — and for kids, a “Widdle Wobble.”
The goal this year was to raise $100,000, which would provide 55,876 meals, according to the Turkey Trot Los Angeles website. As of Tuesday evening, Nov. 21, the event had raised nearly $63,500.
Later on the Midnight Mission closed down 6th Street in front of its facility to serve its traditional holiday meal to nearly 2,000 homeless and near-homeless people and families.
Not to be outdone, the Rose Bowl hosted its annual event, drawing…
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