The capital city's streets were swarmed with over 20,000 trotters and a parade of turkey costumes on Thursday as the 33rd annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot took over the Long Center. Participants flocked to sweep the 5-mile run and 1-mile walk, not only to preemptively burn off the impending Thanksgiving feast but to lend a wing to a charitable cause. CBS Austin reports that the event, which has been a tradition since 1991, helps to plump up the funds for Caritas of Austin, an organization that is determined to stuff out homelessness in the area.
Among the feathers and fanfare, Nathan Wolfers decided to literally shake a tail feather, dressed head to toe in a turkey costume, at the starting line. Meanwhile, the Handy Bosma duo decided to literally juggle their running and entertainment by juggling through the course as snapped by Statesman. As the family-friendly event unwound, even tiny trotters like 1-year-old Nell Burrus got to enjoy the festivities, as witnessed pre-race with Catherine DeStasio, gearing up for a day of fun and philanthropy.
Donning feathers wasn't just for humans, either. Cass Alvarado, who cheered runners while sporting a turkey costume, and Brooke Galbreath donning a turkey hat suggested that style points might also be at play. Here's the competition for best bird. The warmth of the community could even be felt by the pint-sized Julie Hughes, 8, who, according to a heartwarming sighting by Statesman, stretched out her hand for high-fives to the racers nearing the finish line.
But it's not all about the turkey trotters; let's not forget the enthusiasm served up by the crowd. The finish line turned into a short-lived aviary as Carson McVay dashed through to reach the end of his journey, looking to possibly fly rather than run to the end. And the supporters, who turned eagerly up at the front of the race to cheer on the participants, carried the event on their enthusiastic shoulders, hatching an atmosphere that was as celebratory as it was supportive—a moment captured in the spirit by Statesman's lens.
