"Every year has been a record!" Nearly 1,500 people take part in Mequon-Thiensville's "Turkey Trot"

THIENSVILLE (WITI) -- Before sitting down to turkey at the Thanksgiving table, some chased one through the streets of Thiensville! It was all part of the 10th annual "Turkey Trot" -- a Thanksgiving tradition.

Nothing quite says Thanksgiving like chasing a costumed turkey through your community!

"I am from Ireland. I'm just coming visiting my girlfriend for Thanksgiving," Ciaran Murphy said.

Murphy joined the throngs of runners taking part in Thiensville's Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 27th. Some came dressed to compete, while others seemed to care more about their costumes.

"We dressed as turkeys last year. This year we went for the deer theme -- deer and hunters," Murphy, and Katherine and Elizabeth Linnemanstons said.

The Turkey Trot was organized by the Junior Woman's Club of Mequon-Thiensville. Each year, the Turkey Trot raises money to support area charities or community projects.

"This year it is our 10th annual event, so we're giving to 10 of our previous beneficiaries," Colleen Krueger, the president of the Junior Woman's Club of Mequon-Thiensville said.

Krueger says each year, the race gets a little bigger.

"It's amazing! Despite this absurdly cold weather, we're going to have almost 1,500 people this year! That's a record. Every year has been a record," Krueger said.

Finishing the 5K offers the chance to burn off some calories before consuming that big Thanksgiving feast -- but it's also an opportunity to blow off some steam.

"You know, it's a stressful rest of the day dealing with family and making food and whatever -- that come and run it off in the morning? Why not?" Keri Klemann said.

And let's be honest: When are you going to have the chance to dress up like a turkey, run through the street and have that be considered totally normal behavior?

"It's been a great morning a lot of fun," Katherine and Elizabeth Linnemanstons said.

Organizers say each year, the race returns more than $20,000 to the community.

FOX6's Tom Pipines was this year's race starter!