Thanksgiving Monday
On Thanksgiving Monday, runners of all ages gathered for the annual Granville Island Turkey Trot and Kids Run. This beloved event is a cherished tradition for locals and a magnet for running enthusiasts from all around.
Race Director, Eric Chene, summed up the spirit of the event beautifully. “The Granville Island Turkey Trot is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of community, health and gratitude. We are so grateful to our volunteers and the entire community for their support and enthusiasm. It was great to see so many families, friends, and solo runners come together. We want to extend our thanks to each and every one of you who made this event so special.”
The race results saw Alexandre Banks winning in 33:58, and Ria Gill taking the women’s title in 37:38
In the Kids Run, Jocelyne Chene took the win in the Kids Run in 4:12, with Gustavo Polzen claimed the boys division in 3:46.
The main event, the 10K Granville Island Turkey Trot, kicked off the morning with nearly 2,000 participants ready to tackle the scenic route along the False Creek waterfront and through the vibrant streets of Granville Island. Runners donned an array of festive costumes, from turkeys to Ken dolls, adding an extra layer of fun to the race.
Local elite runners set the pace at the front of the pack, while first-time participants and walkers enjoyed a leisurely jog, taking in the stunning views of False Creek, English Bay from Burrard Bridge, and the city skyline.
The Kids Run, a 1K dash designed for children ages 6-12, brought joy and excitement to the younger generation. Children sprinted, skipped, and laughed their way to the finish line, with proud parents and family members cheering them on.
The Granville Island Turkey Trot concluded with delicious post-run snacks including donuts compliments of RUNVAN, as participants shared their stories and celebrated their achievements. The sense of camaraderie was palpable, reminding everyone that they had much to be thankful for.
The running community raise nearly $10,000 through RUNVAN’s RUN4HOPE charity program for local charities, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, Share Family & Community Services, and the Surrey Food Bank.
Riya Gill, the first female to cross the finish line, shared her experience saying “Felt pretty good going over the first 2km! It was good to see a lot of people out cheering, and thank you to the volunteers,”
Alexandre Banks, “I want to thank my coach Kevin Watt and my family back home in New Brunswick, it was super pretty, it was super nice, great course!”
We couldn’t make this event possible without the support of our event partners:
- ViaSport BC
- Rackets & Runners
- Sport Hosting Vancouver
- Alkiss Water
- Harmless Harvest
- Nuun Hydration
- YYoung Pharmacy
- Old Dutch Foods
- Stanley Park Brewing
