On Thanksgiving morning, local nonprofit TreesUpstate will host its annual Turkey Day, an 8K and 5K race in downtown Greenville.
The event is the largest race in the Upstate and ranks as the third largest in South Carolina, supported by more than 40 corporate sponsors. Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas are presenting this year’s race, which is expected to draw over 7,000 runners.
According to event organizers, the 8k race kicks off at 8 a.m., followed by the 5k at 8:30 a.m. Both races will take runners through downtown Greenville, including a scenic loop around Unity Park. Runners should register online beforehand at Turkeyday8k.com
Participants are encouraged to wear costumes for the race, as Fleet Feet of Greenville will be hosting a costume contest. Event organizers also want to warn travelers that there may be some temporary road closures between 8—10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day due to the race.
Starting Monday, Nov. 24, at 10 a.m., during packet pickup, race registrants can pick up a free energy-saving tree through TreesUpstate’s Energy Saving Trees Program, sponsored by Duke Energy. These are available while supplies last, and attendees can choose from red maple, American hornbeam, pecan, eastern redbud, black tupelo/blackgum, tulip poplar, white oak, Nuttall oak or bald cypress. The limit is one per registrant.
“One of the Upstate’s favorite traditions, The TreesUpstate Turkey Day Race, is fun for you and the whole family. There aren’t many feelings better than running before a big Thanksgiving meal,” said TreesUpstate’s Executive Director, Aaron Davis. “The Upstate's rolling hills and autumn beauty are the perfect setting to stretch our Turkey legs. Every registration goes to plant, promote and protect trees in the Upstate.”
For more information on the TreesUpstate Turkey Day, visit http://www.TurkeyDay8k.com.
