BUFFALO, N.Y. — Thousands of runners laced up their shoes for the 129th Annual Turkey Trot in Buffalo on Thanksgiving morning.
It's known as the oldest consecutively run footrace in North America, Runners hit the ground running at 9 on Thanksgiving morning.
The race route, an 8K (4.97 miles), started on Delaware Avenue at Tacoma Avenue in North Buffalo and finished on Franklin Street near the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
The trot really brings out people from all over.
"In Canada, we don't seem to go all out for turkey trots. I said if we're gonna go across the border, we're gonna do it right and we're gonna have a lot of fun," Runner, Laural Adams said.
A lot of people 2 On Your Side spoke to at the race, expressed how it is a tradition in their family.
“I really have a good time,” Jeremy Zgoda said.
Zgoda started running in the race in 2010.
“I’ve brought in more family to run with us. It’s part of the tradition of Thanksgiving,” Zgoda said.
First-time runners also took part in the fun.
“I did this in a stroller when I was really little, but this is my first time actually running it,” Jacob Malenbaum said.
Malenbaum came from Philadelphia for the race. Whether rain or shine, the Turkey Trot continues to draw participants from across the region and beyond.
"We’re used to it," one runner shared.
"This is not the worst one we've ever run in at all," Tara Reimer said.
The event raises money for the YMCA of Buffalo-Niagara. Proceeds from the race support the Y’s community programs and services.
“We love doing it, it’s a great cause supporting the Y,” Wayne Jones said.
Jones came from Canada to run on Thanksgiving morning.