Thousands brave cold temperatures for the 24th annual OKC Turkey Tracks race

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — It was a fun and festive start to the holiday for thousands in downtown Oklahoma City on Thursday morning. 

“It's also about togetherness and about family,” said Dan Lakin, the race director. 

3,500 runners braved the cold temperatures for the 24th annual OKC Turkey Tracks 5K and 1-mile run. 

"Very festive, I've seen a lot of inflatable turkeys,” said Riley McKnight, a runner. “I've seen a ton of people here in turkey hats and so it's just a really positive atmosphere for sure." 

The event partners with the Urban Mission. The nonprofit serves about 20,000 in the OKC metro area each year, providing them with fresh produce, meat and nonperishables. 

"It's our way to give back to Oklahoma and to its citizens and also to do a good thing on Thanksgiving,” said Lakin. 

Donations to the food resource center can also be made online. 

"I think there's always people who need help and we're not immune to that,” said McKnight.