Disclaimer: I received free entry into the Turkey Day 5K Minneapolis race as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
If you have ever ran a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, you know the joyous feeling of getting in a little exercise before we start the real "marathon" of eating all the pie! This year was my 2nd race I have ran on Thanksgiving. But my first time running the Turkey Day 5K. And it while it was a cold and slightly slippery one...it was so fun!
Key things to note about the race:
Packet pick-up was offered at multiple LifeTime Fitness locations around the metro over a span of quite a few days. Making it fairly easy to pickup race bibs and shirts before Thanksgiving Day. Race day packet pick-up was also offered. Which is nice as its a busy week prepping for the holidays (and Black Friday) If you do choose race day pick-up, make sure to get there there early as quite a few people, like myself, chose this option and the line was quite lengthy. It flowed pretty easily, and they had quite a few staff on hand to get everyone all set to race.
Parking is simple as its downtown. Plenty of ramps to choose from right next to start line. And this major tip....Parking Meters are FREE on Thanksgiving Day!! I happen to live just west of downtown not very far. So I ubered. It was an easy in an out and I didn't have to deal with any hassle of finding a spot, nor waiting for my car to warm back up. Brrrr.
The course is your typical Minneapolis race course. Starts/Finishes near Target Center. Runs a few blocks in downtown, and then along the West River Parkway. Not the most scenic course, it is only 3.1 miles mind you.
I loved the swag. The shirt we received was so soft. Love the material. Great color too! Mens and Womens options available. And the medal was sweet! Gotta love getting a "Turkey" before the main Turkey of the day!
My favorite part would honestly have to be the Tailgate Turkey Lot. Before and After the race you could hit up the a fun area that was all about the GOBBLE! Post race snacks were great. Plus side of a cold wintery race, hot cocoa and cider were served in addition to your typical water. The race this year also partnered with MN's very own Gray Duck Vodka. So for those runners 21+ who wanted a major kick-start to their Thanksgiving Celebrations, you could enjoy a FREE Spiked Cider. Ummm...Yes please! Soooo good!
So will I be back? You Betcha! Such a great way to start your "Turkey Day". Great location, well organized and a very fun morning!
If you would like to see my full review, click here: https://www.bibrave.com/races/invisalign-turkey-day-minneapolis-5k-presented-by-life-time-reviews/13587
Happy Running!
- Tia