Surfside Beach Kicks Off Thanksgiving with Exciting Turkey Trot
Surfside Beach, S.C. was buzzing this Thanksgiving Day as locals and visitors alike gathered to participate in the 15th Annual Rotary Turkey Trot. This festive event, which has become a cherished tradition, featured both a 5K and 10K race, along with a delightful Gobbler Kids’ Dash for the little runners.
Runners Hit the Pavement to Celebrate
The sun had barely risen when enthusiastic runners took to the streets, keen to kick off their holiday with a bit of exercise. Among them was Kai Wilmot, a senior from Myrtle Beach High School, who zipped across the finish line in first place for the 5K race. “It’s just an honor to be here,” he beamed, clearly thrilled with his victory. “I love doing the Turkey Trot every year with my friends. I just love it because I have a lot more area in my stomach to eat a lot later.”
Family Traditions and Gratitude
For many, the Turkey Trot has become an integral part of their Thanksgiving celebrations. Justin Oshell shared his family tradition fondly. “We’ve created a family tradition of it, so it’s just become a fun thing we look forward to doing every year,” he stated, embodying the spirit of the holiday.
As runners crossed the finish line, stories of gratitude filled the air. Tracie Zysk expressed her appreciation for her family and her furry friend, saying, “I’m thankful for my family and little doggie, Ziggy Stardust.” It’s those warm moments that truly reflect the heart of Thanksgiving.
A First Thanksgiving to Remember
The Newbrough family from Murrells Inlet had a special reason to celebrate this year. “We’re thankful for this little guy,” said Karen Newbrough, referring to their adorable baby, who was celebrating his very first Thanksgiving. “Thankful for family and everyone getting together, and just having a really great time.” Their joy radiated as friends and family gathered, embracing the spirit of thanksgiving.
Finding Blessings in Every Step
As the festivities continued and the aroma of delicious food beckoned, participants reflected on what they were grateful for this holiday season. Runner Kai Wilmot also shared his heartfelt thanks, saying, “I’m grateful that God has allowed my family to come here.” He added, “That he has allowed me to keep running, stay healthy all the time, and just let me live life.”
It’s moments like these that remind all of us to pause and appreciate the small and big blessings that life brings. Whether you’re crossing the finish line, spending time with family, or enjoying the festivities, Thanksgiving in Surfside Beach promises to fill hearts—and stomachs—with joy and gratitude.
Ready, Set, Feast!
As you can imagine, the end of the Turkey Trot marked the beginning of another cherished tradition for many—finding their way to the dinner table for a feast filled with turkey, stuffing, and all the traditional sides. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a morning of fun and fellowship. After all, what better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than by earning that extra slice of pie!
So here’s to another unforgettable Thanksgiving in Surfside Beach, where community, family, and gratitude come together to create lasting memories. Until next year, keep those running shoes ready and your hearts full!
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
