In 1921 a team from the College of Charleston competed in a 15 mile relay race on Thanksgiving Day.
This year that tradition lives on as members of the Charleston community will gather together to participate in the 33rd annual Turkey Day Run.
In 1921 the Knights of Columbus competed in the relay race with CofC and the Citadel and are now the organizers of the present day race.
Amy Seago, College of Charleston cross country and track and field head coach has been coordinating a training group for the event and said she is very excited for this year's race.
In 2003 the race had 2,467 people registered, which increased to 5,135 last year. This year race officials hope to exceed 6,000 finishers, which would put the Turkey Day Run in elite company, among the top 100 largest races in the United States. The race is already grown to become the largest 5k in Charleston.
Seago and her husband George, who is the Race Director met through a local Knights of Columbus event and have worked hard on making this event a success.
Proceeds from the race will go towards three local charities, Boy Scouts of America Coastal Council, the MUSC Children's Hospital and Hospice of Charleston Foundation.
The Turkey Day participants will be running the race with almost 300 troops from 7,400 miles away in Afghanistan. This came about when Leonor Lourido Spahr, a member of the Charleston-based South Carolina Amy National Guard asked for race bibs so the troops could participate in the tradition. The Knights of Columbus sent 250 free registration packets and their race times will be added to the official results.
Amy Seago said part of her goal of working with this event is to increase community involvement in running.
This year's race will include: awards for winners, a costume contest, a children's fun run, live music, free t-shirts, food and beverage and a beer garden.
Kids will also have the chance to sit on Tom the Turkey's lap and express what they are thankful for.
An event that is rooted in deep tradition lives on and brings together a community to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.
Race info
What: The 33rd annual Turkey Day Run
When: 9 a.m. Thursday
Where: Starts and finishes at Marion Square
How much: $35 Wednesday; $40 on Thursday
Benefits: Boy Scouts of America Coastal Council, the MUSC Children's Hospital and Hospice of Charleston Foundation
Registration: At Marion Square. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday; and 7 a.m-8:45 a.m. Thursday.
Event Web Site: Turkey Day Run
