Thousands participate in Colorado Springs YMCA 5K Turkey Trot

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- On Thursday morning, thousands returned to the streets for the YMCA 5K Turkey Trot in Colorado Springs. Last year, a virtual race was held because of COVID-19.

There were close to 4,000 participants, including Matthew Nelson, who brought his daughters for the first time.

"They like being active. They like to come out and run. They did the Halloween one, they had a really good time, so they said can we run the Turkey Trot and I said, 'Why not? Let's get out there before we go fill up on food,'" said Nelson.

For others, like the Parks family, it's a tradition.

"It’s really nice to see the community get together. I like seeing the hats, I’ve seen some people in the onesies, I love that," said Indigo Parks, a race participant.

Those in attendance got to talk to Santa and hold an authentic 1996 Olympic torch.

All proceeds from the event go back to the YMCA in Briargate.

"You know we have a lot of families in this community that were hit hard by COVID, and so these type of proceeds help to go fund those programs where its needed," said Theresa Johnson with the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region.