Turkey Day Road Race

For living in such a small town in one of the smallest states (Connecticut) in the United States of America, I feel like I am truly blessed to live in a place that hosts one of the nation's largest road races on Thanksgiving Day, that race being the Manchester Road Race.  Over 20,000 people run in this annual race that runs approximately 4.8 miles long and is populated by a mix of elite runners that come from all across the world, as well as excited locals who run for success and a good time.  Most of these pleasure runners also dress up in various original and hilarious costumes, a growing tradition that has begun to catch on. People who don't run in this race have also brought the run into their Thanksgiving day cultures, making sure to watch the race and cheer on the runners while enjoying some early morning brews along with friends and family.  In my opinion, their isn't any better way to spend a Thanksgiving morning than waking up bright and early, tying up the old running shoes, and walking down to main street (the start of the race), to be greeted by thousands upon thousands of people in high spirits and costumes ready and rearing to earn their dinner's later on that night.  The atmosphere that abounds through the crowds is indescribable, and the people you see walking around can only be described as ready for a good time.  The loud speakers that you hear all around you announcing the nearing minutes to the start of the race, paired with a jolly, "This is Thanksgiving in Manchester!!" really emphasizes the point that everyone should be thankful for the community that they are a part of, and be gracious for the opportunities that they have.

This year's Thanksgiving Day Race was especially important to me because of the fact that it was going to be the first time I would be home in over 3 months, due to going to college on the opposite side of the East Coast (Florida).  On top of being able to immerse myself in New England Thanksgiving culture once again, and run in one of my favorite holiday traditions, I was going to be able to see my family once again, as well as the countless friends that I left behind August prior.  The chill morning that Thanksgiving Day brought reminded me of all the Thanksgiving's before this, and all of the memories that I have accumulated over the years both running and watching the Turkey Day Race.  It will forever be a part of me and my family, and I know that as long as I am able, that I will make it my mission to run/walk/crawl in the annual road race that has become a part of my livelihood  my culture, my DNA.  Some memories are great to hold on to, but some are even better when you add to them every year.