Cultural Happenings: Turkey Trot Volunteering

Thanksgiving morning in Denver started in the soft blue light that comes just before sunrise, when the city feels both quiet and full of promise. At Washington Park, that calm quickly shifted into electric energy as thousands of runners, families, and four-legged friends gathered for Mile High United Way’s 52nd Annual Turkey Trot. The beloved Thanksgiving tradition raised more than $770,000 this year, helping fund academic, economic, and well-being initiatives that support families across Denver.

Our Director of Seasonal Programs, K.Leigh, and Mira, our culinary intern from the Philippines, kicked off their holiday by donning bright volunteer vests and joining the Mile High United Way team for a morning of service and celebration. For Mira, who has competed in running events back home, the Turkey Trot offered a perfect way to experience race culture in the United States while giving back to her temporary community.

From their post at bib distribution, K.Leigh and Mira had front-row seats to the moving parade of participants. They greeted seasoned athletes focused on their personal bests, parents steering jogging strollers with bundled-up babies, families who make the Turkey Trot their annual Thanksgiving tradition, best friends in blow‑up turkey costumes, and the happiest pups and made sure every runner received an identifying bib and timing chip before heading to the start line.

For Mira, the experience was both familiar and new. The pre‑race jitters, the rhythmic thud of running shoes, and the buzz of excitement mirrored races in the Philippines. But the sight of so many families making this event part of their Thanksgiving ritual and the knowledge that every step taken helped Denver neighbors thrive gave the morning a uniquely local meaning. As the sun climbed higher and the last runners made their way through, it was clear: the Turkey Trot is more than a race. It is a joyful expression of community, generosity, and gratitude, and this year, Mira and K.Leigh were proud to be part of it.

To complete the experience, K.Leigh surprised Mira at the end of their shift with two pies from Legacy Pie Co., a fourth‑generation local bakery. The first was a “Thanksgiving dinner” pie that layered turkey, potatoes, and cranberries into a single savory bite, echoing the flavors of a traditional holiday plate. The second was a classic pumpkin pie, the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert and an essential part of experiencing the holiday in the United States. The Thanksgiving dinner pie earned a rave review, while the pumpkin pie was appreciated only as a cultural tasting.