Turkey trots and more ways to burn Thanksgiving calories

While the couch might be the preferred post-Thanksgiving dinner destination of choice for some people, many Miami Valley residents celebrate Turkey Day by tying up their running shoes, bowling shoes or hiking boots.

Whether it’s a fun run, a competitive tournament or a peaceful hike, there are plenty of ways to burn off some holiday calories. And there are plenty of calories to burn, as it’s estimated Americans consume a whopping 3,000-plus calories at Thanksgiving dinner alone — closer to 4,500, with appetizers and dessert.

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Want to enjoy the feast without the guilt? Maybe a five-mile run is in order. The Ohio River Road Runners Club Turkey Trot — in its 41st year — celebrates the season in a big way with more than 9,000 participants running through Miamisburg annually.

“People feel so good about it, they get started on the right track,” race co-director Margaret Hurley said. “And it has become a family tradition for many people, including multi-generations.”

Diane Schoeffler-Warren and her family have done just that. It started four years ago when her stepson Alex started running in the event with his Miamisburg High School lacrosse team. Diane and her husband, Larry, participated the past few years and will be joined by their son Matthew this year as well.

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“Alex runs, we walk, you can definitely go at your own pace,” Schoeffler-Warren said. “We have a good time, it’s a lot of fun and I think we have established a family tradition.”

The Turkey Trot is just one of many adrenaline-pumping, calorie-burning Thanksgiving events happening in the area. So if you want to start off the holiday season with a workout, there are plenty of options to choose from.

“And then you can eat that extra piece of pie,” Schoeffler-Warren said with a smile.

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TURKEY TROTS

Start with a morning run and you have the rest of the day to celebrate the season with family and friends.

• ORRRC Turkey Trot: Nov. 28, 8:30 a.m., Riverfront Park, Miamisburg. The Ohio River Road Runners Club event is in its 41st year with one and five-mile races as well as a costume contest. Information at www.miamisburgtrot.com.

• Tipp Turkey Trot: Nov. 28, 8 a.m., Kyle Park, 500 S. First St. In its 12th year, the Tipp City event has 5K and 10K options and serves as a fundraiser for Ginghamsburg Church's New Path Ministry. Information at runsignup.com.

• Turkey Day 5K: Nov. 28, 8:30-11:30 a.m., Shoup Park, 1341 Meadow Bridge Drive. Thanksgiving 5K event that benefits the Beavercreek Youth Wrestling program. Info at turkeyday5k.itsyourrace.com.

🎳TURKEY BOWLING

A turkey can be more than the main course if you get on a roll at one of the area’s Thanksgiving bowling events.

• Night Before Thanksgiving No Tap: Nov. 27, 10 p.m.-1 a.m., Bowl 10 Fairborn, 1425 N. Broad St. One in five bowlers cash in this 9-pin no-tap tournament. Information at www.facebook.com/events/531730217389829/.

• 15th Annual Russ Maiden Turkey Tap: Nov. 28, 8 a.m.-noon, Beaver-Vu Bowl, 1238 N. Fairfield Road. The Turkey Tap is the first in a series of 9=X "No-Tap" Tournaments at the Beavercreek bowling center. Information at www.daytonbowling.com.

• Thanksgiving Night Shootout: Nov. 28, 6-10 p.m., Poelking Lanes, 1403 Wilmington Ave. Four games of qualifying, cut to top four for match play in this 9-pin no-tap tournament. Information at poelkingbowling.com/poelking/.

• Thanksgiving Singles Sweeper: Nov. 28, 7 p.m., Marian Lanes, 6170 Brandt Pike. Three-game qualifier followed by bracketed match play with one-in-five bowlers cashing. Information, call 233-2222.

Credit: Submitted

Credit: Submitted

🚶‍♀️HOLIDAY HIKE

Enjoying a bit of fresh air with the family might be fun way to start the day.

• Make Room for Turkey Hike: Nov. 28, 9-10:45 a.m., Sugarcreek MetroPark, 4178 Conference Road. Join the Dayton Hikers on a moderate-brisk four- to five-mile hike. Information at www.meetup.com/DaytonHikers/.

• Clark Park Hikers: Nov. 28, 9 a.m., George Rogers Clark Park, 930 South Tecumseh Road. Join Park District volunteers and enjoy a walk through the woods. Experience the beauty and camaraderie found in the outdoors. Meet at the parking lot below the dam. Information at www.clarkcountyparks.org.

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