‘Tis the season to gather with family and friends and stuff ourselves full of delicious holiday food. With the average American consuming around 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving, according to the Caloric Control Council, it makes sense that America’s most popular eating holiday has recently surpassed Independence Day as the most popular running holiday. According to Running USA, Thanksgiving 2011 had 676,000 participants. This year, Running USA predicts we may surpass the 1,000,000 mark as more people are deciding to put their forks and knives aside to participate in one of the many Turkey Trots taking place across the country.

America’s first-ever Turkey Trot was held in Buffalo, New York as early as 1896. Put on by the YMCA, this five-mile race began the tradition by encouraging runners to dress up in Thanksgiving-themed outfits. Though the race is still run there today, other cities have helped grow the tradition and made it their own. Atlanta, for example, broke the mold by hosting its marathon on Thanksgiving until 2011. The city has since moved the event, but back then it was known as the longest Turkey Trot in the country.

The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot has also gained immense popularity. With a staggering 38,820 participants in 2011 and an almost equally impressive 26,511 in 2013, Dallas has boasted being the country’s biggest Turkey Trot host for many years, and they don’t plan on giving up the title anytime soon.

But as Americans become more and more aware of their waist lines, the competition continues to grow. Active.com lists about 320 Turkey Trots taking place on Thanksgiving, but some cities will host the event on the days before and after the holiday as well.

The main draw for most participants is not to break records or personal goals, but to get outside and possibly burn some calories in an enjoyable way. Turkey Trots are inherently fun runs, ranging in distance from 3.1 (5K) miles to eight, according to USA Track and Field. Most ask participants to get creative with race attire—it isn’t uncommon to see people dressed as pilgrims, turkeys or giant food items running side by side. Some races even reward finishers with actual turkeys, or turkey apparel. Most cities host after-race events complete with beer and prizes.

Anyway you spin it, Turkey Trots encourage a fun and fit lifestyle, and that is something we can all get behind. So put on your running shoes this holiday season and find one near you.

Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons User Matanya