A Thanksgiving morning tradition continued in 2025, with the Pequot Runners marking its 48th year in Southport and Fairfield.

"It's about family, it's about friendship, and...community," said David Butt, the executive director of the Pequot Running Club. "People come here and for them, it's a tradition."

This year's race had over 3,500 runners and 1,000 walkers out on the five-mile course.

"It's an amazing turnout," said Colette Quinn from Darien. "The way people come together from across Fairfield County and further, you can see families are running it together, you've got all ages too, which is the coolest part."

"There's no better way to start off Thanksgiving," agreed Rick Chernok, from Westport.

There was plenty of support from neighbors along the route - with even the nearby church playing the theme song to "Chariots of Fire" with its bells.

"Everybody even in passing will shout you out, I think it's really good energy - really good way to start the morning," said Quinn.

The field did contain some serious runners who finished in under half an hour, including Westport's Ryan Smith, who won the race for the second year in a row.

"When you run in this community, and there's so many teammates you've had over the years - almost all of them are here," he said of why he likes doing the race.

Meanwhile plenty of other runners were there more for fun, including Quinn, who was dressed in a full turkey outfit, along with her family.

"People love seeing the turkey coming along," she laughed. "Got to run away from the Thanksgiving meal, but, it's super warm...(I'm) sweating a lot, but don't regret it."

Regardless of how the runners got to the end of the race, or how long it took, most agreed the real finish line would be Thanksgiving dinner.

"I've already done my calorie burn so I have freedom to eat anything I want today," said Chernok.

Smith meanwhile already had an appetite, saying "we got to serve it earlier though. I can't wait until four."

Money raised from the race went to several local charities, including Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Caroline House, Junior Achievement, Pequot Library, Westport EMS and more.