LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Some Kentuckians are hitting the pavement before sitting down for the Thanksgiving meal.

Emma Watts-Roy is getting ready to start her Thanksgiving off running. 

The Kentucky native is joining her sister and mom in the annual race. 

“It’s really nice,” Watts-Roy said. “I’m visiting from Maine where I go to college and so I’m taking in the family time. Starts Thanksgiving bright and early, and it makes Thanksgiving even better.”

Iroquois Hill Runners said about 1500 people came out to participate in the annual run/walk event, making it the best attended year in the event’s 44-year history. 

Allie Vincent is on the board of Iroquois Hill Runners, an organization working to make running more inclusive in Louisville. 

She said the event brings people together on a day that’s meant for gratitude.  

“Everyone comes in such a great mood,” she said. “It’s a great way to start the family traditions. We have people who may not participate in other races all year long, but they run in this one because this is how they jump start their family Thanksgiving and family tradition.”

It’s a family activity, Vincent said, that can stick with someone for a long time. 

“Running is a sport you can do for life,” she said. “I mean, so it’s really cool when you can get people started at a young age because it just teaches you so much about life. It teaches you discipline, it gives teaches you how to not give up, it gives you an outlet.”

Watts-Roy, who plays squash on a collegiate level, said she is not running to win but to spend more time with her family who she ran with growing up.  

“I think I’m going to take it kind of chill,” she said. “I’m not a huge runner. I’m just an athlete, so I have a little bit of a leg up because I’m athletic but not really a runner, so no pressure, just fun.”

Iroquois Hill Runners hosts multiple running events throughout the year.