Turkey trot races have become a popular Thanksgiving tradition for many families in the United States. According to early data from RunSignup, more than 1.1 million people are expected to participate in these events on Thanksgiving Day in 2025, which may set a new record for participation.
Jennifer Farrell, clinical professor and program director for the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at Florida State University, discussed some of the nutritional and health benefits associated with taking part in turkey trots. Farrell specializes in children’s nutrition and educates both children and caregivers on making healthy food choices.
Farrell explained that engaging in exercise such as a turkey trot can boost metabolism and improve digestion. “During a bout of exercise our body burns more calories. Interestingly, our body’s metabolism stays elevated even after exercising,” Farrell said. “A 2011 study published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise showed that metabolic rate can remain elevated as long as 14 hours after 45 minutes of vigorous exercise. This is known as the afterburn effect. Even if your turkey trot is a turkey walk, you are still reaping the benefits.”
She further noted that when exercising, muscles require more energy, leading to quick removal of glucose from the bloodstream to fuel activity and replenish glycogen stores. This process is particularly important for those managing type 2 diabetes because it helps control blood glucose levels. Exercise also increases blood flow throughout the body, including to the gastrointestinal tract, which can support digestive health by aiding movement through the intestines.
However, Farrell cautioned about meal timing around intense physical activity: eating too soon before or after vigorous exercise could result in stomach cramps or bloating.
When asked about children participating in turkey trots or similar races ranging from 5K to 10K distances, Farrell said: “The turkey trot is a great way to get kids interested in exercise and fitness. Exercise helps kids feel comfortable in their body which is beneficial for their self-esteem. It is important to let kids exercise to their comfort level; this decreases the risk of injuries and increases their enjoyment.” She pointed out that shorter distances like a 1K race offered by Gulf Winds may be appropriate for younger children or those not ready for longer runs.
On whether there are specific benefits tied to exercising right before or after meals, Farrell stated: “Timing of meals and exactly what to eat before or after training has been a hot topic for research. This gave rise to the large market of pre and post workout supplements. Fasted workouts tends to be another area of interest. Research protocol tends to be highly specific. Subjects are of similar age and health status, doing similar exercise and looking for benefits with a specific nutrient and timing protocol. This is difficult to extrapolate to a person who doesn’t match those health or workout criteria. A colleague of mine once said, ‘The best workout and feeding protocol is one where you feel best working out.’ If you can’t exercise at your best because of timing or food or what you are eating, then it is not the right method for you.”
Farrell leads FSU’s DPD program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics as one of four undergraduate majors within FSU’s Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences.
Media inquiries regarding nutritional aspects of turkey trot participation can be directed via email to Jennifer Farrell at jefarrell2@fsu.edu.
