Photos: Thousands brave Thanksgiving cold to run and walk Turkey Day 5K
Thousands of runners flocked to downtown Minneapolis on Thursday for the annual Turkey Day 5K, the largest Thanksgiving race in the Twin Cities.
The annual tradition has brought people together for decades. Twin Cities in Motion spokesperson Charlie Mahler said before the race that about 7,000 runners were registered this year, up from the roughly 5,000 last year.
The run started at 8 a.m. near Hennepin Avenue and Fourth Street and ended near North Sixth Avenue and North Fifth Street.
Runners of all ages — many wearing festive hats and turkey costumes — faced a breezy and cold morning with highs in the low 20s.
MPR News freelance photographer Stephen Maturen took to the streets to capture these vivid shots.
A racer wearing a turkey hat stands as the national anthem is played before the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
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Participants run off the starting line during the second wave of the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
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A group of runners wearing costumes race in the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
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A runner wears a turkey hat during the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
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A spectator holds up a sign as he encourages racers during the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
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A runner wears a turkey hat during the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
Stephen Maturen for MPR News
Participants run off the starting line during the first wave of the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
Stephen Maturen for MPR News
A racer gets a high five as they head for the finish line of the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
Stephen Maturen for MPR News
A volunteer high-fives runners as they race the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
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Racers run down Fourth Avenue during the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
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Runners hold up turkey legs as they race the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
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Runners head for the finish line of the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
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Cali Maddy (C) receives a medal with her mom Emma Maddy (R) after completing the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
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A group of racers celebrates after completing the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
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A group of runners wearing decorative hats pauses for a portrait as they raced the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
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A runner wears a turkey hat after completing the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
Stephen Maturen for MPR News
Racers grab snacks after completing the Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis.
Stephen Maturen for MPR News