November 22nd will mark the 17th Annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot and the long-running relationship with ThunderCloud Subs and Caritas of Austin. Over 10,000 Turkey Trot participants and race supporters are expected to be at Waterloo Park and the downtown area for the annual event.

Now a Thanksgiving Day tradition in Austin, the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot offers options for all ages and skill levels--a five mile run/walk, a mile walk and a Kid’s K sponsored by Stepping Stone Schools.

This year also offers an exciting new opportunity for the community to contribute to Caritas of Austin—they can participate in the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot Raffle.  Bicycle Sport Shop has donated two packages valued at $1,500 each—including a bicycle and accessories. Each ticket is $10; with all proceeds directly benefiting Caritas and our programs and services. The winner will be announced at the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot; you need not be present to win. This year’s event kicks off Thanksgiving morning around 8:45 a.m. with an estimated end time around 11 a.m.

Since the first ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot, over $522,000 has been donated to Caritas of Austin.  For the past 16 years, Mike Haggerty, owner of ThunderCloud Subs and a Caritas of Austin board member,  has collaborated with Caritas to pull off what has now become a pre-Thanksgiving meal must. Haggerty along with hundreds of loyal ThunderCloud employees will give of their time before, during and after this year’s race to assure its success. The race is an excellent opportunity to earn calorie credits while helping those within the community with the greatest need. For more information on the ThunderCloud Subs turkey Trot and raffle, please contact Julie Metzger at 646-1268 or by email at jmetzger@caritasofaustin.org  or go to the ThunderCloud Subs website at www.thundercloud.com.

TURKEY TROT TIPS - Night Before and Morning of the Race

1. Get organized. The night before the Turkey Trot Race, assemble and pack everything you'll need to take to the start/finish line at Waterloo Park. Organize and assemble the shoes and socks, shorts and singlet you will wear the next day. Pin your race number to your racing singlet. Bring a hat, sunglasses and change of clothes. If you need lip balm or sun screen, pack it the night before.
2. What to wear. It's Austin.  It may be cold, or hot.  You never know.  But remember you want your muscles to stay warm so that you don’t pull anything.
3. What to eat. The night before, eat a normal dinner but be careful to avoid overly spicy food (Mexican food is not the best choice). Make certain you are properly hydrated before going to bed. You may have heard about carbohydrate-loading. Don't worry about it. That's only necessary for marathoners but if you want to have a spaghetti dinner, go for it or grab a sub from ThunderCloud Subs. The morning of the race eat a simple breakfast of easily digestible food.  Bananas, energy drinks and a bagels (or toast) are fine. You can fill up later after you run.
4. Warm up. About a half hour before you are scheduled to run, start warming up with some light jogging. Don't do anything too strenuous, but try to move around and get your leg muscles loose. After jogging for 10-15 minutes, do some light stretching and make absolutely certain you are well hydrated.
5. Walk? Sure. There's nothing illegal about walking in a trotting race. If you get tired or too hot, walk for a few minutes to regroup.
6. Drink. There are several aid stations spread out over the course with water. Take advantage of the fluids and drink at every aid station--even if you aren't thirsty. Accept a cup or two from the volunteers and drink everything in the cup. Walk if you have to.
7. The finish. There isn't a more welcome sight in any running event than the finish line. Every runner looks forward to seeing that beautiful finish banner and clock. This is the time to pick up the pace and run strongly through the finish line. Look good for the cameras. You have successfully finished the Turkey Trot. You're done. Congratulations!  Now you can feel good about Thanksgiving dinner. You’ve earned it.