On November 24th, 2022, I ran my first ever Turkey trot race. What made the race special is it was my first race in nearly two years due to COVID. It'd been so long since my last race that I'd almost forgotten what the race day experience felt like, but as soon as I pulled up to the event, a feeling of excitement and nervousness rushed over me.

I arrived 20 minutes early, so I walked around and soaked up the pre-race festivities. I took my pre-race photo as I've always traditionally done and then hustled to claim my spot at the start area. A large crowd of runners dressed in Thanksgiving-inspired costumes was at the start.

Before starting the race, the organizers did a pre-race prayer, followed by a countdown, and then led the crowd in an exuberant cheer of happy Thanksgiving to kick the event off. As the race began, I heard a chorus of beeps from the other runner's smartwatches and phones syncing; it was a sound I hadn't heard in quite a while. It was a sound that I'd missed. The 5k was everything I thought it would be. It made me feel like a new runner again. As I crossed the finish line, the feeling of accomplishment that came over me warmed my soul. It was a great feeling and experience I wanted to share with you.

Five Benefits of Running a Race

It’s a Tangible Goal

The recipe for a good sports movie usually includes a protagonist training for an event that plays out in the final act. The event could be a prize fight, a dance battle, or a big game, is a plot device that motivates the character and keeps us watching the movie through the end. This same motivational concept applies when you sign-up for a race event.

When you commit to running a race, you create a tangible goal that will help keep you accountable with your health and training and gives you a benchmark to strive to accomplish.

Being in your element

When I first received my motorcycle license and started to ride my bike on the open road, I noticed most motorcyclists who would see me would wave, nod, or flicker their headlights. These friendly gestures made me feel like I was part of a fellowship.

A race event is one of the most positive places a runner (or anyone) can be. When I’m at a race amongst other runners, I’m with a group of people who shares a unique understanding of the hobby I've taken up. It’s an environment that maximizes my running to its fullest potential.

Meeting other runners

As an adult with a family, making new friends is difficult, but a race event is a great environment to meet new people. I've made friends with people from all over the country and met many of them while running a race. Longer races present an excellent opportunity to start conversations with other runners and meet a potential new best friend.

Visiting Nice Places

I've been fortunate enough to participate in races in some beautiful places. To this day, the trail race I did in New Hampshire is the best event and one of the best vacations I've ever done. I would've never considered going to the state if it wasn't for the race event I did. Destination runs are a way to see the world and have fun during your journey.

It's Fun!

Racing events are the icing on top of the cake for runners. It's a recreational party you can look forward to, counting down the days with child-like anticipation. There are some events that pre and post-race festivities span for multiple days and include concerts, shopping, and food vendors. Doesn’t that sound like fun!

So put a couple of races on your calendar this year. You won't regret it.