Make room for dessert: Kick off Thanksgiving Day by burning calories at the Hobbler Gobbler and Turkey Trot events

There’s just something about burning calories on Thanksgiving morning that brings people together.

For one, it eases the guilt for all the indulgences that will transpire over the remainder of the day. But for runners and walkers in Rio Rancho and Albuquerque, it’s also the opportunity to support a good cause — or in this instance, causes.

Make room for dessert: Kick off Thanksgiving Day by burning calories at the Hobbler Gobbler and Turkey Trot events

The Hobbler Gobbler will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with 10K, 5K and Kids K races beginning at the Rio Rancho Aquatic Center on Thanksgiving Day, while the Albuquerque Turkey Trot — which launched in 2019 — takes place at the Sid Cutter Pavilion at Balloon Fiesta Park with a 5K run/walk, a Little Turkey one-miler and a Tot Trot on the same day. Proceeds for the Hobbler Gobbler will benefit RunFit, which works to combat child obesity by offering running programs in schools. Meanwhile, those who sign up for the Turkey Trot will be supporting Watermelon Mountain Ranch, New Mexico’s largest no-kill animal shelter.

“It’s the whole country celebrating Thanksgiving in various ways, but that’s in the afternoon,” said Alicja Konieczek, Turkey Trot event director. “So that’s why it’s becoming so big because all these families go across the country to (visit relatives), and then they want to do something fun. And what’s better than running or walking in a fun costume among your friends and family members?”

It doesn’t hurt that running or walking in a large group is very much in tune with the spirit of the season.

“I think it’s really that camaraderie,” said Stephen Pino, Hobbler Gobbler race director and RunFit founder. “… And everybody can do it, and I think that’s also the plus. All ages can participate.”

Pino anticipates that the Hobbler Gobbler will draw approximately 1,000 people. Participants will receive medals and T-shirts, and many that attend are decked out in Thanksgiving-themed attire such as turkey costumes or hats.

“That’s also the other fun part about it is people kind of let loose and do fun things,” Pino said. “Some people run without a shirt even if it’s cold. So it’s kind of funny to see people doing the things they do on a fun day like that.”

The Turkey Trot includes a cranberry station, where runners can recharge with a shot of juice, and a pie stop at the end, where finishers can reward themselves with bite-size pieces of pumpkin pie. There’s also a costume contest where the winner will receive a free balloon ride.

“As many pumpkin pies as we could fit on the table (last year), they all were gone in a short time,” Konieczek said. “So, yeah, this was a good hit and a surprise. And we have another surprise this year, but you have to come to check it out.”

Konieczek expects as many as 2,000 people will participate in the festivities at Balloon Fiesta Park, and while entertainment is a significant factor, there’s also plenty of appeal for competitive athletes — including cash prizes for the top three male and female finishers in the 5K. Case in point: former Polish steeplechase Olympian Aneta Konieczek, Alicja Konieczek’s sister, runs the event most every year, and numerous elite college runners and local running clubs also take part.

“It’s quite competitive,” Konieczek said. “If you compare the top times, we have probably the best local runners that are coming for the cash prize.

“... So we get it competitive for the athletes doing some prizes and also make it fun for the people that don’t care about the time, that care about the momentum and the good vibes.”

As for the Hobbler Gobbler, it’s accessible for a variety of skill levels yet still engaging enough to accomplish the primary objective.

“It’s flat, but also some moderate hills and some downhill. It’s a nice course, but it’s a doable course — meaning that it’ll earn your Thanksgiving dinner,” Pino said. “I think it’s definitely a course that people really come back year after year to participate in knowing they not only got their money’s worth, but they got their opportunity to say, ‘Hey, I did what I had to do, and now it’s time to eat.’”