A Houston nonprofit has pulled the plug on a beloved Thanksgiving tradition.
The BakerRipley Houston Turkey Trot, an annual family-friendly race held every year since it started in 1992, is being discontinued, the nonprofit announced last week. BakerRipley said everyone who had already registered for this year’s event, which was scheduled for Nov. 23 in the Galleria area, will “receive a full and timely refund.”
BakerRipley, which was founded more than a century ago, is a community development organization that operates a variety of programs and services for children, adults, veterans and businesses in the region.
“This decision comes after a full and comprehensive review as part of a larger effort to realign our resources and initiatives with our mission and purpose,” the nonprofit said in a news release. “BakerRipley remains committed to serving the community’s evolving needs.”
A spokesperson for BakerRipley did not immediately respond to a voicemail and email Tuesday seeking additional information and comment. An email sent to an address where reporters were instructed to send inquiries came back as undeliverable.
The Turkey Trot, which celebrated its 30th year in 2022, drew more than 10,000 participants on an annual basis for a 5K, 10K and Kid’s Race, according to information provided by BakerRipley leading up to last year’s race. A social media account for the event, which remained active as of Tuesday, bills it as the largest event for the nonprofit.
While transitioning away from the popular Thanksgiving Day run, BakerRipley said in its news release that it looks forward to “introducing innovative initiatives that will continue to nurture the spirit of community and cooperation.”
“Thank you for being a vital part of the Turkey Trot legacy,” BakerRipley added. “Your support and participation have been the cornerstone of its success, and we are eager to channel that spirit into exciting new avenues of community engagement.”
BakerRipley’s event was the only large “turkey trot” within the Houston city limits. There are multiple Thanksgiving Day runs in the surrounding areas, including the Bay Area Turkey Trot in Clear Lake, the Pearland Turkey Trot, the Lake Jackson Turkey Trot and the YMCA Run through the Woods in The Woodlands.