Every Thanksgiving morning in Lake Oswego, OR, a special kind of energy courses through the neighborhoods. While many families prepare for a hearty meal, others lace up their running shoes to join a long-standing tradition: the Turkey Trots. These festive runs blend the joy of movement with the spirit of giving, setting a tone of gratitude long before the dinner bell rings.
Though this tradition echoes national trends, locals in Lake Oswego have shaped it into something uniquely theirs. Over time, Turkey Trots here have become not just a pre-feast activity but also a way to connect, support local causes, and build memories that span generations.
By exploring their history, community impact, and memorable moments, one can appreciate how these races have woven themselves into the city’s Thanksgiving fabric.
The Origin of Turkey Trots in America
The concept of a Turkey Trot—a footrace held around Thanksgiving Day—has deep roots in American history. The very first documented Turkey Trot took place in Buffalo, New York, in 1896, when only six runners showed up for a dirt-road, 8 km race organized by the YMCA. Over time, this modest race evolved into one of the nation’s most beloved holiday traditions.
In subsequent decades, the idea spread: cities like New Orleans, Cincinnati, and Dallas began hosting their own Thanksgiving morning runs. With the growth of running as a recreational activity in the 1970s and 1980s, Turkey Trots became more family-friendly, often featuring whimsical costumes, fun distances, and charity partners.
Today, Turkey Trots range from informal one-mile walks to timed 5Ks or longer road races. Many are held in costume, with participants dressed as turkeys, pilgrims, or other Thanksgiving-themed characters. This tradition continues to balance holiday indulgence with active, communal celebration.
A Thanksgiving Run in Lake Oswego
Though Lake Oswego may not host one of the country’s largest Turkey Trots, its version carries special meaning for the community. The Lake Oswego International Leadership Academy has organized the ILA Turkey Trot Run, which will take place on Friday, November 21st (9:00 am) at Springbrook Park.
What makes this run meaningful beyond fitness is its charitable dimension: participants are asked to bring a can of food, which is donated to the local food pantry. This gives the race a dual purpose: community health and support for neighbors in need.
Generations of Participation
Over the years, the ILA Turkey Trot Run has become a gathering point for families in Lake Oswego, OR. For many, it marks not just a workout but a yearly ritual. Parents who once jogged with their children now return alongside their own children—or even grandchildren. This shared experience strengthens bonds across generations in a way that goes beyond the typical holiday schedule.
Because the run is relatively small and neighborhood-centered, participants often recognize familiar faces: classmates, teammates, neighbors. It’s not uncommon for multi-generation families to meet at the starting line, laugh about crazy costumes, or reminisce about past years. The continuity of this tradition helps anchor Thanksgiving as more than a meal: it’s a moment of shared history.
Giving Back Through Each Step
One of the most powerful aspects of Turkey Trots in Lake Oswego is their charitable impact. The ILA Turkey Trot Run gives the race a larger purpose beyond fitness and fun—it helps neighbors who may struggle during the holiday season.
This model mirrors broader trends in Turkey Trot events nationwide, where fundraisers and community causes are often integrated into the race. The act of running and walking becomes a tangible expression of gratitude: not just for what one has, but for the ability to help others.
Unforgettable Moments and Festive Flair
While Lake Oswego’s race may be modest in size, participants still bring festive flair. In past events, runners have shown up in turkey-themed hats, feathered tutus, or seasonal colors. These playful touches reflect the spirit of Turkey Trots everywhere, where costumes are part of the charm.
Beyond costumes, participants often share stories that become part of local lore: the neighbor who trotted in a pilgrim hat, the family who arrived in matching Thanksgiving-themed T-shirts, or the young children who sprinted, giggling, toward the finish line. These moments reinforce the community’s warmth and sense of belonging.
Why the Tradition Matters Locally
For Lake Oswego, OR, the ILA Turkey Trot Run is more than a run — it is a reflection of shared values. It blends healthy activity with charitable contribution and provides a space where families can connect outside the kitchen or dining table. Over time, this tradition strengthens social ties, supports local needs, and offers a meaningful way to begin Thanksgiving Day.
In a city known for its scenic parks and tight-knit neighborhoods, the trot is a reminder that holiday traditions are not only about food and family — they can also be about movement, giving, and community presence.
The tradition of Turkey Trots runs deep across America, but its impact feels especially personal in Lake Oswego, OR. Each November, as people gather to run or walk, they do more than burn a few calories — they honor a shared tradition of generosity, connection, and gratitude.
Families return year after year, children grow into runners, and donations flow to support those who need a hand. The ILA Turkey Trot Run reflects the heart of the holiday for many locals: not simply saying thanks, but acting on it.
As the city continues to evolve, the trot remains a constant. It’s a reminder that the simplest traditions — lacing up, sharing a laugh, helping others — can carry the most meaning on Thanksgiving Day.
Sources: International Leadership Academy Instagram Page, redtablemeats.com, runnersworld.com, en.wikipedia.org
Header Image Source: pexels.com
