Runners turn out for 5K Turkey Trot in Palm Springs

Quite a few runners decided to get a head start on their Thanksgiving celebrations by doing some racing in Downtown Palm Springs Thursday. About 1,200 people participated in the Wild Turkey Trot, a charitable 5K race, benefiting Meals on Wheels for the Mizell Senior Center.

While some people at the event were serious runners, most people were just looking for a good time to enjoy to kick off the holiday.

“I see some of them really warming up and stuff and then there’s people like me who are just very casual and will walk it,” Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon said.

Many participants wore their turkey hats as the ran down Palm Canyon Drive for the race.

“I think they’re here for fun and people are dressed up and everyone likes their hats so you can’t take running too serious with turkey hats,” Chelsea Hurt, a runner from San Diego, said.

A pair of energetic sisters came from opposite ends of California to meet for the race. One sister came from San Francisco while the other came from San Diego.

“I’m feeling so excited because we are going to go out there and we are going to run with our turkey hats on and we’re have so much fun,” Julie Gibson of San Diego said. “It’s beautiful here and absolutely gorgeous.”

Whether you were a serious runner or not, every participant agreed that the race would be a way to make room for a big Thanksgiving feast later in the day.

“I got burned calories and about to go on another run right now so I’ll have plenty of room for food,” Daniel Fronz, the winner of the 5K race, said.