Ahhhh, Thanksigiving.
Or as we like to call it, “Christmas for Eaters.”
While we take a guilt-free break to simply enjoy all the trimmings this day has to offer, we love the tradition of starting it all out with a run to merit some of that binging. The Grand Strand offers a couple of great Turkey Trot options to enjoy on Thursday, November 27, and it doesn’t matter if you’re an elite runner or a newbie — you’ll get ‘er done and be filling your plate in no time.
Myrtle Beach Grand Strand Turkey Trot: This is the standard-bearer for area Turkey Trots and is getting ever more popular each year. It comprises several different lengths for those not ready to make a distance plunge — or those gazelles who just want to go, go, go. Sign up for a one-mile race starting at 8:30 a.m., or a 5k run/walk or 8k run starting at 9 a.m. A 50-yard Tot Trot for your littlest sprinters kicks off at 10:15 a.m. The course is flat and fast, and there’s plenty to look at — and it starts at Market Common. Pre-register online to ensure your spot (and free t-shirt), and new this year is a vendor expo during race packet pick-up as well as medals for all participants. The race costs between $5 (Tot Trot) and $30 (8k). All proceeds benefit the Myrtle Beach Area Grand Strand YMCA.
Surfside Rotary Turkey Trot: A little farther from downtown but no less fun, Surfside’s Turkey Trot offers some pretty great perks. Shall we entice you with Bojangles Biscuits and chocolate milk? How about a start and end at the ocean? And a free turkey for the top three finishers? Sign us up. The race offers three distances — 1 mile, 10k and 5k — as well as a (free) Tot Trot. The earlier you sign up, the more you save, but the individual costs are in the $20-$40 range. Score your high-quality race shirt and hit the pavement with close to 1,500 other runners. And don’t forget, out of towners, frigid morning running this is not. Once you get warmed up, it’s a shorts-and-t-shirts affair. Yes!
And for all you runners planning ahead, here are some races to look forward to in 2015:
2015 Myrtle Beach Marathon: Set your heart rate soaring on Valentine’s Day (February 14) with a 26.2-mile run around the Grand Strand. This one is a great option for runners looking to set personal records, as it’s flat, fast and very scenic. Registration is now open.
BFF Pink Ribbon Run: On Saturday, March 7, join other philanthropic runners for either a 5k or 10k race benefitting Caring In Our Lifetime, a local organization assisting those with breast cancer, as well as 21st Century C.A.R.E. A Survivor Tribute Walk will also be held that morning.
St. Patrick’s Day Titled Kilt Run: This fourth annual event is all about fun, with prizes handed out to the most greened-up runner, bagpipers playing, and of course, a drink ticket. Details of the coming’s year’s race have yet to be determined.
Diva’s Half Marathon: North Myrtle Beach will be doused in pink on April 12 when what is billed as “the most fun and glam running series in the nation” comes to town. Can’t imagine running 13.1 miles (or a 5k) without a tiara or feather boa? Well, you’ve found yourself your race.
Dirty Myrtle Mud Run: (Next summer, date TBD) A filthy-fun obstacle course for those who don’t mind getting, um, a little dirty.
Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon: (Next fall, date TBD) When you’re hoofing it 13.1 miles, nothing about this feels “mini”… but we know what they mean. If that seems a little much, they also offer a 5k and “doggie dash.”
Do you runners have a favorite Grand Strand-area Turkey Trot or road race? Let us know!
(Posted: 10/14/2014)
