Records are Made to be Broken

David Black, Race Director

November 23, 2023 will go down as a very special date in the story of the Knoxville Track Club. With 3,742 registered participants, a new record was established for the Thanksgiving Day Race. As a part of that 3,412 people registered for the 5k including 21 persons joining us virtually. This is the most people ever registered for a single distance race at a Knoxville Track Club event. 330 registered kids also set a new record for the Little Gobbler’s 1-mile race.

Thanksgiving Day has become the most popular day for running in the United States. But I believe this new record is more than that. The Regal Turkey Trot offers a beautiful course through the streets of downtown Knoxville, including the Henley Street and Gay Street Bridges. This course also allows runners to run both directions of Gay Street through the heart of downtown on a mostly flat route. Many runners state that this is their favorite course.

This was the 39th edition of the Knoxville Track Club hosting a Thanksgiving Day Race. Laura Taliaferro gave a stunning version of the National Anthem. Pre and post-race activities were held in the gorgeous Mill & Mine Event Center. DJ Sterl the Pearl, Sterling Henton, brought the energy for participants, who, in addition to great t-shirts, received a commemorative Christmas ornament at the finish line. Sterl recognizes the importance of every single participant and makes them feel welcome and celebrated. This event has truly developed into a tradition for so many people which is a testament to putting together so many pieces to form a great event.

This year we had participants from 35 states, the District of Columbia, the US Virgin Islands, and Germany. We had participants ranging in age from babies to 83-year-olds as part of the crowd as well. We are so thankful to all who chose to join us on this beautiful holiday run. This event offers a great mix of competitive runners, groups of families and friends, company groups and people doing their first 5K ever. This year, the Knoxville Track Club partnered with Variety of Eastern Tennessee, the Children’s Charity, to collect donations from this race. Donations from the 2023 event totaled more than $2,300 dollars. Thank you to everyone who opted to give a little extra to help this amazing organization.

Colten Lee (15:41) and Rachel McGovern (18:50), both of Knoxville, took the top Male and Female finisher awards. Scott Greeves (16:07) and Darren Driscoll (16:17) rounded out the top three males. Elizabeth Whelpley (18:52) and Anna Roberson (19:17) were the second and third female finishers. Ethan Coffey took the top Masters position with a 16:39. Lauren Roth was top Masters Female with a
time of 19:23.

As a race director, I am so thankful for every person who crosses the starting line with the goal of making it to the finish line, no matter what their personal goal is. I am equally grateful for the host of volunteers and KTC staff who make this event possible. The support of the City of Knoxville, Knoxville Fire Department, and Knoxville Police Department is greatly appreciated. Thank you to all of the event sponsors including title sponsor Regal, Pilot Company, The Mill & Mine, BK Graphics, Eddie’s Health Shoppe, Zen Evo and the 2023 KTC Grand Prix sponsor Patdome Promotions.

We are so thankful to all who chose to join us on this beautiful holiday run, and we look forward to seeing you again next year. Registration is now open for the 2024 Knoxville Turkey Trot. Make plans now to join us Thursday, November 28 by signing up today. Let’s set a new record for the 40th anniversary of this wonderful event.