Thousands of Americans lace up their running shoes before sitting at the dinner table this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving day Buffalo New York Turkey Trot in 18 degree snow! Let's do this! ?????? pic.twitter.com/wHJhDIbjIG

— carly sargent (@cali_girl907) November 28, 2013

On Thursday, cities across the country will hold their annual Thanksgiving Day races, often known as “Turkey Trots.” Running in the USA, an organization that lists races in each state throughout the year, lists more than 900 racesbeing run on Thursday. The races range from a Turkey Trot Marathon in Santa Monica, Calif., to a one-mile “fun run” in Rosemary Beach, Fla.

The oldest Turkey Trot and the oldest consecutively run footrace in North America kicked off in Buffalo, N.Y. this morning. Fourteen thousand runners, many wearing costumes, faced 20-degree temperatures as they raced across the city.

5k turkey trot to benefit @SOME_DC. @kristindlee & I are crazy b/c it's so cold but great cause! pic.twitter.com/gdLkdG2uhK

— Christina Bellantoni (@cbellantoni) November 28, 2013

Many Thanksgiving races raise funds for charities. In Buffalo, the proceeds from the Thanksgiving run support Western New York YMCA programs. Ten thousand runners in the nation’s capital participated in the 12th Annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger, which benefits So Others May Eat, an organization committed to helping the poor and homeless of Washington, D.C.