The holidays can be stressful enough without worrying about putting on some extra pounds. Fortunately, the Beckley and Huntington, WV areas offer some fun fitness options for your Thanksgiving Day celebration.
This year in Beckley, the 35th Annual Thanksgiving Day Race sponsored by the YMCA of Southern West Virginia will take place on Thanksgiving morning. The race location is at the YMCA Paul Cline Memorial Sports Complex at 302 Joe L. Smith Drive in Beckley with a shotgun start at 8:10 am. The race includes a 5 mile run/walk and a 1 mile fun run. These activities provide the entire family with the opportunity to participate on race day. It’s also a great way to burn off some of those extra calories that come along with the traditional feasts of the holiday.
For each 5 mile participant, there is a $15 fee until November 19th, then registration is $20. For those participating in the fun run, registration is just $5. All 5 mile race participants will receive a t-shirt, and trophies will be awarded to the top three overall male and female winners of the 5 mile race. The top three males and females of each age group will receive trophies as well. Go to www.ymcaswv.com or call (304)252-0715 for more information and to register for the event.
Another fun event is the 5th Annual Turkey Trot held in Huntington, WV. The Turkey Trot will take place on Thanksgiving morning at 9 am, starting at the Ritter Park picnic shelter. The course runs through Ritter Park. Pre-registration up to November 17th costs $25 and includes a long sleeved race t-shirt. You can also register for $30 at the park on race day. Many awards will be given to the top male and female finishers of each age group, the largest family participating, the best costume, and others. Proceeds benefit the Little Victories No-Kill Animal shelter. You can pre-register online at active.com. If you have any questions you can contact email Patty Jennings at [email protected] Julia Spence at [email protected].
If you still want to get a good workout in, but don’t want to brave the chilly weather, head on out to the Tri-County YMCA in Scott Depot for the Thanksgiving Day Workout from 8:30 to 10 am on Thanksgiving morning. There is a $5 fee or a donation of non-perishable food items for use of the facility. Proceeds will benefit the Community Cupboard. Contact Marty Bavetz at (304)757-0016 for more information.
Fight the holiday bulge and get active this Thanksgiving; your belly and local charities will be thankful!
Sources:
Putnam County CVB
35th Annual YMCA Thanksgiving Day Race set – WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News
Huntington Turkey Trot