PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — From humble beginnings, the PNC YMCA Turkey Trot had a record crowd Thursday morning. Now in its 22nd year, thousands of runners have made it a must-do every Thanksgiving morning.

It’s become a Thanksgiving tradition. When the race started it was 300 to 400, and now it’s madness with more than 7,000 runners.

Starting with the Mile Fun Run, the Turkey Trot has something for everyone, kids and pets included.

“I think it’s so awesome that some many people in Pittsburgh come out to celebrate like this,” says Rich Wright, the Turkey Trot organizer.

And they come in all manner of dress, like the turkey girls who wore turkey hats.

“We’re all from Pittsburgh and we come out and run this race every year because we love trotting,” says Nicole Solano, of the North Hills.

They all have one great motivation in mind.

“As long as I get my 3-1, I can go home and eat anything I want, and dessert, and a cold beer along the way,” said Ron Sanders, all the way from Charlotte, N.C.

The 5K and five mile fields have swelled to an enormous size, creating a river of runners that snakes through the North Shore and downtown streets.

You’ll find the plodders, and you’ll see the thoroughbreds who coast to victory with police escorts.

But in the end everyone’s a winner for making the effort and being able to bask in the autumn sunlight with a feeling of accomplishment.

“Looking forward to some stuffing later,” said Patrick Grenter, of Mount Lebanon. “I earned it.”

“Excited to go home and have some turkey,” added Audrey Adkins, of Mason, Ohio.

It’s always fun, always invigorating, a great community and a great reason to give thanks.

RELATED LINKS:
Turkey Trot Photo Gallery
More Reports from Andy Sheehan