A record number of runners (and walkers) were expected to hit the street this morning, burning off a few calories before tearing into their turkey. The annual ‘turkey trot’ tradition goes back longer than you might think.

From farming practices to dances, the phrase "turkey trot" has been used for several things over the past two centuries.

Turkey Trots have become an enduring tradition for many people on and around Thanksgiving. There are thousands of races, ranging from about 1 mile to a full marathon.