For families who stay local year after year for Thanksgiving, many say they cannot imagine starting their Thanksgiving morning any differently than running the Hingham Turkey Trot. Open to both runners and walkers, the Hingham Turkey Trot is one of the best ways to begin the day, leaving most people feeling accomplished and proud of themselves for starting their day off on a good note. Families from Hingham and other local towns across the South Shore will line up outside of Hingham High School just before 7:30 am to participate in the annual event. The Turkey Trot has been held for over 25 years and there is good reason for it being one of the largest Thanksgiving races around. 

The race takes athletes through a 5-kilometer loop (3.1 miles) down Union Street, and into a scenic part of Wompatuck State Park, then back down Union, finally ending at Hingham High School. The race is always held on Thanksgiving, this year taking place on November 28th. The Hingham Turkey Trot is sponsored by multiple local businesses with an especially big help from Marathon Sports. Most of the money made from the race is donated to the boys’ and girls’ cross country and track programs. Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female runners in each age group, but it is an award itself finishing the race on the chilly November morning. 

Around 1,900 participants signed up for the race and ran last year. Kylie MacAloon, a sophomore who goes to Hingham High School, said, “I really can’t picture starting my Thanksgiving without running the race. My family and I have done it for years, and I don’t see it stopping anytime soon!” To register for the race, visit hinghamturkeytrot.com. But, if you are more interested in helping out, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities! Senior Kaylee Roberts, who volunteers every Thanksgiving said, “I used to run the race a couple of years ago, but one year I decided to volunteer, and it was just as fun as running it! If you don’t want to run one year, I would recommend it!” Information about volunteering is also in the link above!