I love gorging as much as the next person, but on days like Thanksgiving, I like to add some activity to the schedule.
If not…
My family isn’t a bunch of health nuts, but we do active things together on Thanksgiving. For as long as I can remember, my brothers usually start a round of football after our meal.
In recent years, my husband and I (and other crazy relatives,like my brother-in-law) have tried fun runs on Thanksgiving morning.

Mr. Wonderful, me and my brother-in-law before the 2013 Omaha Running Club Thanksgiving Fun Run.
You layer enough, the cold isn’t too bothersome and visions of pumpkin pie are enough motivation to get you to hustle to the finish line.
If you want to start an active tradition, here are a few Thanksgiving Day runs in Omaha, as well as a hike for you:
Omaha runs on Thanksgiving
Omaha Running Club has a FREE Thanksgiving Fun Run at Lake Zorinski. It’s casual without a distance required. Everyone’s meeting at the boat ramp (156th Street south entrance) at 9 a.m. It helps knowing someone in the club, so get yourself a brother-in-law that runs, like mine.
Joslyn Castle Turkey Trot 5K is a family-friendly 5K run/walk that benefits Joslyn Castle (strollers are even allowed). The race starts at 9 a.m. at Turner Park in Midtown Crossing. To register or to get more details, go here.
Feast and Feathers Trail Run is an annual trail run with various distances raising money for a good cause (Foodbank For The Heartland). Unfortunately, if you haven’t registered for it, you’re out of luck this year. It’s sold out.
The Turkey Day Traipse is not a run, but a hike at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd N., Bellevue, Neb. The hike leaves from the Nature Center at 9 a.m. and hits the trails for some beautiful views and peaceful scenery. Just a note: The Nature Center is not open so no bathroom access will be available that morning. Also, you’ll need to pay admission to enjoy this hike.
More from Oh My! Omaha:
Today’s Giveaways
50 Holiday Activities To Do In Omaha
Mahoney State Park In The Winter
MaryHelen
Thursday 27th of October 2016
Just found out that the feast and feathers is sold out. Bummer, what a great cause. Going to Omaha for the holiday and was trying to get the family out for the race (we do one here - San Antonio) So....anyone can join in for the Zorinsky run?
Jillian
Tuesday 25th of November 2014
What an awesome tradition! That hike sounds awesome - may have to check it out! :)
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
Monday 24th of November 2014
I'm so bummed the feast and feathers race sold out! I really wanted to do that one!
Kim
Monday 24th of November 2014
I was too! I had been on the fence on registering for quite a while and then when I checked back, poof, all full.
Amy
Monday 24th of November 2014
I so needed this! I've been meaning to register for a Thanksgiving race and I keep forgetting. Is the Zorinsky run very insidery? We wouldn't know anyone there, but it sounds like fun.
Kim
Monday 24th of November 2014
It's very unstructured and almost like a group run (with everyone being way faster than me). I don't think it's too insidery since runners tend to be a friendly bunch. No one asked me if I was part of the club or anything.