Essential items for your upcoming turkey trot preparation

To prepare for a successful turkey trot, whether you're an experienced runner or just starting out, it's important to plan ahead and choose the right gear, especially if the weather is chilly. Turkey trots are a great way to get active before the holiday meal and offer both competitive and family-friendly options.

In 2023, over 250,000 individuals participated in turkey trots, according to the Bureau of Transportation. This is a significant number of participants! To ensure a comfortable, energized, and successful turkey trot, here are 10 essential items to bring with you, regardless of whether you walk, run, or jog.

Comfortable and supportive running shoes are crucial for a successful run. Amazon offers a wide range of sneakers that are designed to keep you pain-free and light on your feet, such as the Adidas Runfalcon 5. These shoes are lightweight and feature a cushioned midsole, making it easy to step into them. They also come in a version for men.

You can quickly receive these items if you're an Amazon Prime member. Alternatively, you can join or start a 30-day free trial to begin shopping immediately.

To embrace the festive spirit during Thanksgiving, many runners wear fun, themed costumes or accessories such as turkey hats, feathered tutus, or Thanksgiving socks. If you're running with a group, you can coordinate your outfits to stand out, add laughter to the day, and create great photo opportunities. To complete the look, try this hat and socks set on Amazon, which comes with three complete sets. If you want to add a tutu to your outfit, try this one with faux turkey feathers and leaves - it's sure to make you the hit of the trot!

Dressing in moisture-wicking layers can help you stay comfortable during fall weather. A versatile long-sleeve shirt like this one from DSG at Dick's Sporting Goods, made from technical fabrics that draw sweat away from your skin, can keep you warm without getting soaked as you run. This one is easy to move in with mesh paneling for strategic ventilation and comes in many colors. On Amazon, you can get a similar style in a four-pack for less than $30.

A lightweight, breathable jacket or anorak like this one by Sport-Tek at Walmart can add warmth without weighing you down for cooler mornings. This hooded version is also lightweight, breathable and packs into its own front pocket for easy transport. Alternatively, if you prefer to give your arms free movement but keep your core warm, opt for a vest like this one at Walmart. It has multiple pockets to stash any IDs, money or credit cards you may need for your run.

Invest in lightweight running gloves like the Pacer Liner gloves by Nike at Dick's Sporting Goods to keep your cold hands from being a distraction during your run. The breathable, stretchy material keeps your hands warm and dry on their own, but is thin enough to layer under another pair for extra warmth. Many options like these from Unigear on Amazon also come with touchscreen-compatible fingertips, so you can use your phone to track time or take a pre-race photo without needing to remove them.

A beanie can help you stay warm and focused, especially during chilly weather. Select a moisture-wicking beanie like this one from Under Armour on Amazon to keep sweat out of your eyes and retain warmth. The brushed interior traps heat to keep you warm and comfortable while the outer layer repels water from rain or snow. If your turkey trot includes festive headwear, check if you can wear fun, themed hats. This Gone for a Run turkey beanie on Amazon is an excellent choice.

This running belt from Nathan Sports at Scheel's is ideal for storing essentials such as your phone, headphones, keys, and ID. It ensures everything is secure and easily accessible while running, eliminating the need to hold items in your hands. If you're looking for a belt with additional features, check out this one on Amazon, which includes built-in water bottles.

Staying hydrated is essential for any run, including turkey trots. A reusable water bottle is a great way to hydrate before and after the race. The LifeStraw collapsible water bottle on Amazon is a great option as it is compact and durable. Another option is the Brita water bottle on Amazon, which has an ergonomic design and a strap to hold it in your hand.

To maintain stamina and fight muscle fatigue during your run, consider using Honey Stinger organic energy gel single-serving packets, which are small enough to fit in your running belt or jacket pocket. Alternatively, if you prefer an energy bar, Cliff Minis may be a better option for you.

Attaching a race bib to your clothes can be a hassle, but with a race bib vest like this Shires number bib on Amazon, you can easily attach your number without damaging your clothes or having it fly off during your run. If you prefer a different style, try these kitschy snaps, which function like a safety pin without any holes.