Surfside Beach Goes Gobbling for the Thanksgiving Day Race Event
This Thanksgiving morning in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, the aroma of turkey roasting in the ovens was surprisingly accompanied by the sound of sneakers hitting the pavement. While many folks were likely snoozing or glued to the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, over a thousand enthusiastic runners and walkers gathered in celebration of good health and a bit of friendly competition at the annual Turkey Trot!
Run for Fun: 5K, 10K, and a Dash for Kids
Participants had the option to lace up their running shoes for either a *5K or a 10K*, and there was even a special spot for little ones with the Gobblers’ Kids Dash. Families were out in full force, making memories while burning off some holiday calories, and it was heartwarming to see everyone join in the fun.
Meet the Stars of the Race
Among the impressive competitors was Kai Wilmont, a senior from Myrtle Beach High School, who took home the title for the 5K race with a stunning time of 17:38. Kai expressed joy over his achievement, stating, “I definitely had a breakthrough year this cross-country season. Both my team and I are region champions this year! All the training has just led me to here, and now I finally get to enjoy my two-week break after the season.”
It’s always great to see young athletes succeed, especially when they represent their schools with so much pride!
The Costume King: A Trot Tradition
Then we had David Partin, a familiar face at this event who has donned the same eye-catching costume for a whopping *14 of the 15 years* he has participated! He jokingly remarked, “I think I’m due for a wash about now. I haven’t washed it. I wonder why people stay away from me?” He clearly appreciates the laughs that his costume brings, even if it hasn’t seen a washing machine in many moons!
A Community Celebration
The Thanksgiving Turkey Trot was not just limited to Surfside Beach. Similar festivities took place across the Grand Strand, including popular events in Market Common and *Plantation Lakes* in Carolina Forest. It’s a beautiful reminder of how the community comes together to stay active and give thanks, all while sharing in the joyous spirit of the holiday.
More Than Just a Race
This event is more than just a race; it’s a day of gratitude, celebration, and community spirit! Many participants train hard for this event, but others simply come out for the fun, camaraderie, and maybe to indulge in a few extra helpings of turkey later on without the guilt.
So whether it was the thrill of competition, the laughter shared over quirky costumes, or the joy of spending time with family and friends, this Thanksgiving in Surfside Beach was a success. As the participants cheered each other on and shared post-race stories, the holiday spirit filled the air!
Looking Forward
As the dust settles on this year’s event, participants are already eyeing next year’s race, promising to bring their best. And who knows—maybe even a few more humorous costumes like David’s classic outfit. Here’s to staying active, supporting community events, and making every Thanksgiving memorable!
So, as we reflect on this year’s fun, let’s remember to be thankful, both for good running shoes and for our vibrant community here in Surfside Beach.
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.
