HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — Before carving the turkey, a lot of people got some cardio in with various Thanksgiving Day races and turkey trots around the Denver Metro area.
Around Colorado, there were a handful of races, attracting thousands of people. Perhaps the biggest was the Mile High United Way 5k at Washington Park in Denver. Some 20,000 people were expected to attend that particular race.
Another 3,000 people participated in the Highlands Ranch Turkey Day 5k. Many have made the race a yearly tradition.
Here’s a look at the Highlands Ranch Turkey Day 5K race. The race benefited the Douglas County Fallen Officers Fund. Sheriff Tony Spurlock what is among the runners. Can you spot him in my video? @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/oQACeiZ659
— Meghan Lopez (@Meghan_Lopez) November 22, 2018
“We basically had a family tradition for four or five years and we been running every year,” said Megan Birckhead.
Her friend, Amy Foreman, said it's good to workout before eating a lot of food.
Each year, the Chamber of Northwest Douglas County chooses a different charity for the race to benefit. This year, the proceeds are going to the Douglas County Fallen Officers Fund.
“Certainly this year, with Zack Parrish passing on New Year’s last year and the community involvement around that, it seemed like the perfect charity to work with,” said Chairman-elect Stewart Gallagher.
After the race, participants were treated to pancakes that were cooked by members of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and other volunteers.
While some walked the turkey trot, others picked it up a notch and ran the race.
“Zack lived his life to serve others and I thought for me and my family the least we could do would be to serve others,” said Sharron Smith. “Zack would be out there running too and so I would run and run with my brothers and sisters from the office in so that’s why I got out of bed this morning.”
Sheriff Tony Spurlock was also among the 3,000 participants in the race.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! There are a bunch of Turkey trots happening around Colorado today. Will you be participating in one? @DenverChannel
— Meghan Lopez (@Meghan_Lopez) November 22, 2018
