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2016 Cleveland Turkey Trot Race Review and Recap

November 29, 2016

Another year, another Turkey Trot down. The 2015 Cleveland Turkey Trot was an amazing race for me, despite not having the “official” results from the race. I was in race mode — ready to take on every competitor and any distance. 2016, though, couldn’t have been more different. Since I’m coming off a fall marathon, I’ve been less inclined to race and more inclined to fun run.

If I’m being truthful, this Turkey Trot almost didn’t happen for me. I hemmed and hawed literally up until two days before the race on whether I was even going to run. Since moving, downtown Cleveland is much more of a schlep than it ever was before and frankly, I’m tired of waking up super early to run especially when it’s cold and potentially rainy. Ultimately I decided to run and I’m glad I did. Let me give you an overall race review and then I’ll recap my experience.

2016 Cleveland Turkey Trot Race Recap + Review | Running on Happy

Cleveland Turkey Trot Review

Parking

Parking this year was a surprising pain. When I first started running this race, it was easy to park on the street but in inclement weather it was even easier to park in a heated parking garage. Last year I had planned on parking on the street but couldn’t find a spot due to the influx of runners (they added a 5K last year). This year, much to my chagrin, my favorite nearby garage was charging $15! Unbelievable. I ended up a block over for $10 which wasn’t much cheaper but it was one of the only options available within a short walk to Cleveland Public Auditorium.

Swag

The swag this year was all right. They changed the design of the shirt and made it white. Which isn’t a deal breaker but I would have liked a fall-color shirt with the traditional logo which I’ve come to know and love. They did add a medal, though, which I think is important to some people so that’s cool.

Pre-race atmosphere

The pre-race atmosphere was great, as usual. This year seemed especially nice, however, due to all the lights being on inside Cleveland Public Auditorium. The last few years I’ve run the Turkey Trot, only a few of the lights have been on inside which gave it a drab, almost creepy kind of feeling. This year, though, you could see the entirety of Public Auditorium and it was breathtaking. The architecture is amazing, the details are beautiful. I was glad to finally see it all lit up and filled with happy runners.

Crowd support

The crowd support, despite having decent weather this year, was minimal. I don’t care much for crowd support either way but I know some runners do. This race was not heavily supported at all. Even the water stations were kind of lacking.

Course

There was a new course this year, which was sorely needed. I heard the course was changed due to construction constraints but I’m hopeful they won’t change the course back to the old one. The new one takes runners west and is much more scenic. The old route headed east through rundown areas of the city and past decrepit factories.

Post-race party

I can’t say much for the post-race atmosphere. I’m usually cold and wet and by the time I’m done running, I have no interest in standing around after the race mingling with people. I’d rather get in my car, get warm, and head to Starbucks for my traditional Caramel Apple Cider. It only happens once a year so I get excited — can you blame me?

2016 Cleveland Turkey Trot Race Recap + Review | Running on Happy

Cleveland Turkey Trot Race Recap

My goal for the 2016 Cleveland Turkey Trot was to run and have fun. As I mentioned, I wasn’t sure if I was going to run in the first place. When I saw the temperature would be in the 40s and it would be quite mild, I figured why not.

I picked up Julie and we headed downtown to meet up with Eugenia and Sara. Julie always races so I knew running with her was out. My plan was to run with Eugenia and Sara. They are both right around my pace and Sara would be pushing her son in the stroller, so she wasn’t planning on racing either.

Cleveland Public Auditorium

When Julie and I arrived, we made a beeline to the restrooms. We’ve come to expect exorbitantly long lines. As luck would have it, we found a hidden gem of a bathroom and were in and out in mere minutes. After the restrooms, we headed downstairs to meet our friends.

And of course once we found them, selfies galore. Because selfies.

2016 Cleveland Turkey Trot Race Recap + Review | Running on Happy

We stayed inside Public Auditorium as long as possible. When we went outside it was drizzling, which was unfortunate because I left my hat at home in favor of a headband to cover my ears. Thankfully it didn’t rain too, too hard, but it was still cold and wet for the duration.

2016 Cleveland Turkey Trot Race Recap + Review | Running on Happy

Turkey Trottin’

We all lined up together, listened to three American-themed songs (still not quite sure what we were hearing aside from the National Anthem), and then we were off. Julie, Sara, and I quickly lost Eugenia (who, as it turns out, was having a wonderful and speedy race!) but we stuck together for a few minutes. No sooner did we round the first corner did Julie decide she needed to kick it into high gear. Sara and I ran together for the remainder of the race.

2016 Cleveland Turkey Trot Race Recap + Review | Running on Happy

I won’t break down this race mile by mile because I was so busy chatting with Sara, I really wasn’t paying attention to where we were. At one point, though, I realized we had only run three miles and I was really waiting for the race to be over. We ran under the giant chandelier at Playhouse Square — first time seeing it in person! — and it was quite beautiful. The area was almost unrecognizable if I’m being honest. Good job, Cleveland. You clean up well. But other than that, it was drizzling, cold, and overcast. I was ready to get my Starbucks and go eat some grub.

2016 Cleveland Turkey Trot Race Recap + Review | Running on Happy

Sara and I had a nice run together and her son did really well until the very end when he started getting antsy for his daddy. I know how that goes all too well!

Annnnnnd, done

After we crossed the finish line, Sara met up with her husband and I found Julie. Julie and I promptly headed back to our car and into the warmth. And then, of course, Starbucks. 🙂

2016 Cleveland Turkey Trot Race Recap + Review | Running on Happy

2016 Cleveland Turkey Trot Race Recap + Review | Running on Happy


Turkey Trottin' w/ @HermesCleveland -- review + recap! #runchat #running #FitFluential
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Overall it was a fun morning. I’ll definitely do another Turkey Trot, but between the hefty race registration, the cost to park, plus the pain in the butt it is to get downtown might mean I try another race closer to home next year.

Official finish time: 51:11:92

xo

TALK TO ME!

What’s your favorite 5-mile race?

Do you ever miss the entire course because you’re too busy talking with someone?


Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run, and HoHo Runs and MissSippi Piddlin’ for the Weekly Wrap. Also linking up with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle for Wild Workout Wednesday, and myself, Susie, Debbie, and Lora Marie for the Running Coaches’ Corner linkup.

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32 Comments


Susie @ SuzLyfe
November 29, 2016 at 6:45 am
Reply

oo, I do love a good 5 mile race, but I’m also very cheap… Nice running, and I looooove the Target outerwear 😀



    Rachel
    November 29, 2016 at 3:55 pm
    Reply

    You and me both, girl.

    I got so many compliments on my Target vest. I think I should market it. Ha!

Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness
November 29, 2016 at 8:26 am
Reply

That is a great medal! That’s nice they added them this year. I’ve felt like that at a few local races were I didn’t really care to run it or not but then afterwards I was on cloud nine and so glad I ran!



    Rachel
    November 29, 2016 at 3:55 pm
    Reply

    A short, tough race is an amazing feeling of accomplishment, I will admit!

Ellie
November 29, 2016 at 8:43 am
Reply

My sister and I did a 10k on Thanksgiving and we talked the whole time. The course was kind of blah (on a highway for 2 miles) so there wasn’t much to see. Our goal was to beat the freezing rain, which was we did!
I got Starbucks after too, its that time of year!



    Rachel
    November 29, 2016 at 3:54 pm
    Reply

    Beating the rain is a great goal. Especially if it’s freezing rain. Yuck!

    I only drink Starbucks after this race. It’s so strange. But it’s tradition now!

Michelle @ Lively Chicken
November 29, 2016 at 8:54 am
Reply

Around mile 20 of the Philadelphia Marathon, someone asked what mile we were in….I can understand missing the course if you’re talking to someone, but this girl was running alone with headphones. By mile 20 I was too aware of how many miles we had run and still had left to go! I don’t know how she didn’t know!! I wish I could zone out like that!

I have never done a 5 mile race. I’m thinking about adding some shorter distance races to my schedule for 2017, but the price of registration is limiting. Hopefully I’ll still be able to squeeze in one or two.



    Rachel
    November 29, 2016 at 3:53 pm
    Reply

    Oh I feel you. Registration is hefty these days even for some of the smaller races.

    How do you not know what mile you’re in?! Although maybe she was having an awesome race and she just zoned out completely? Haha. I dunno, not knowing how far you’re in during a marathon is pretty hard to do. I feel like I’m counting the miles… 😉

Shari Eberts
November 29, 2016 at 9:07 am
Reply

How fun! I love all the selfies too! Well done!



    Rachel
    November 29, 2016 at 3:51 pm
    Reply

    Hehe, thanks! 🙂

Lesley
November 29, 2016 at 9:36 am
Reply

I got hot chocolate after my freezing 5k last November. It’s amazing how warm Starbucks feels after a cold race. I don’t drink coffee, but the coffee smell and is very comforting.



    Rachel
    November 29, 2016 at 3:51 pm
    Reply

    Caramel apple cider is where it’s at, lady. 😉 Try it!

Sara@runultrainspired
November 29, 2016 at 10:26 am
Reply

Yay such a great time! And cheers for keeping it local next year!



    Rachel
    November 29, 2016 at 3:46 pm
    Reply

    Hallelujah. Where shall we run? As long as there’s a Starbucks nearby… 😉

Amanda @ Adventures with FitNyx
November 29, 2016 at 10:38 am
Reply

Pretty sure we’re keeping this course. It’s WAY better, even though we had some congestion problems. As long as the city lets us, we’ll keep using it… Parking WAS killer this year, I think the local garages are catching on to how big the event is. Might push harder next year for some partnerships to see if we can have any control over the pricing. WE pay just as much as anyone running, and it’s getting out of hand…

I tried the shirt design on other colors! Really I did! But we loved this design so much (from the design contest) we did what we had to so it would really pop – and moved the traditional turkeys logo to the medal, which was a 35th anniversary special item and probably won’t happen next year. We don’t even bother with post-race stuff at this one so people can get home and celebrate the holiday. This race is a logistical nightmare but I love it anyway! Send me over any other feedback you have, we’re always working on making this race better!



    Rachel
    November 29, 2016 at 3:46 pm
    Reply

    Haha, you’re so funny. DEFINITELY keep the course. And the parking… meh!!!

    The shirt is okay… I guess… 😉 xxoo

Chaitali
November 29, 2016 at 12:10 pm
Reply

Sounds like you had a good time overall! It’s nice that the course was changed up to a more scenic one this year. Too bad about the parking. I love that you guys are wearing your Marine Corps shirts 🙂



    Rachel
    November 29, 2016 at 3:44 pm
    Reply

    Hehe, it’s my FAVORITE SHIRT! I need more! I’ve already worn in four times and it’s only been cold here five times. Haha 🙂

Teresa
November 29, 2016 at 2:18 pm
Reply

Caramel Apple Cider??? Now I must head to Starbucks promptly to get one of these!! I, too, ran a Fleet Feet sponsored 5 miler Thursday morning, but we did NOT get a cool medal 🙁 I’ll have to put that in the form of a recommendation for next year. Good job on your run, sounds like you had fun with your friends…which always makes for a good run!



    Rachel
    November 29, 2016 at 3:43 pm
    Reply

    If it makes you feel better this was the first year of the medal. It was pretty cool but I much prefer a nice, warm shirt! 🙂

    Caramel apple cider is AMAZING. Definitely go get one. 🙂

Jen
November 29, 2016 at 2:51 pm
Reply

The caramel apple cider is my all favorite drink from Starbucks! It’s the best 🙂
Sounds like a great race, great job!!



    Rachel
    November 29, 2016 at 3:42 pm
    Reply

    Thank you!

    It’s my fave too. Mmmmmm!!!

Marcia
November 29, 2016 at 9:58 pm
Reply

$15 parking would be a freaking steal here in Chicago but I totally get what you’re saying. Free and convenient is best. Congrats on a strong race. Looks like fun. Especially the Starbucks. ; )



    Rachel
    November 30, 2016 at 9:52 pm
    Reply

    I know, right? I complain about $15 parking and in any other city it would be twice as much! But this is Cleveland, not Chi-town… What was so insane was the World Series. The garages here were charging $100!!!!! Ridiculous.

Kimberly Hatting
November 29, 2016 at 10:03 pm
Reply

I don’t do many 5-mile races, but it’s a fun distance. I’m in Iowa, so our “selection” is limited to an abundance of 5K’s, some half’s and a sprinkling of 10K’s with an occasional 10-miler or marathon LOL



    Rachel
    November 30, 2016 at 9:53 pm
    Reply

    How funny is that — we have hardly any 10Ks here. Like, a handful at most. We have a ton of 5Ks and several halves.

Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home
November 30, 2016 at 8:44 am
Reply

I love the 5 mile distance. There’s a local Turkey Trot here that’s an 8k–but it’s insanity, it’s so crowded. I can’t deal with that…

Anyways, great job! Love the bling.



    Rachel
    November 30, 2016 at 9:54 pm
    Reply

    I like a good 5-miler, too. I heard the Turkey Trot here this year was 10K people. That’s a lot of people!

San
December 3, 2016 at 9:33 pm
Reply

I did a 5k around the local park – ha! I contemplated doing a Turkey Trot, but I didn’t want to do it alone… it’s so much more fun with running friends (which means, I have to find some local running friends. Note to self).

Your 5-miler sounds like fun. Especially if you chatted away the whole time 🙂



    Rachel
    December 4, 2016 at 1:25 pm
    Reply

    I agree, sometimes racing is more fun when you’re not really racing and just running with friends.

    Definitely find some local running friends. 🙂 There are lots of running groups on Facebook and at local running shops.

HoHo Runs
December 6, 2016 at 5:49 pm
Reply

Your pictures look so cold! Brrrr…. It’s very nice they gave out a medal. Starbucks in my favorite way to celebrate after a race. I’d love to “miss” the whole race by chatting with a friend! Thanks for linking, Rachel.



    Rachel
    December 6, 2016 at 8:27 pm
    Reply

    It was a rarity — I usually never run with anyone during a race! A nice change, for sure. 🙂

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