Thousands race for a cause in annual turkey trot

This year's Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot was nothing short of family fun. This is the 28th year of the tradition.

“In 1991 we had 600 people and I ran it. I thought it was a 5k and it wasn't. So I figured it's better to announce this thing,” said Robert “Evil” Evilsizer, veteran announcer.

Jordan Cooper is one of the enthusiastic runners. He has been participating for eight years. It's become a tradition for him, different from the average American. 

“Before I’m going to go eat all those calories I’m going to go burn some off here first,” said Cooper.

For him, the tradition started as an opportunity to have a warm holiday despite being miles away from family.

“When I first moved to Austin I was spending Thanksgiving alone the first year, I had to work the next day, this was just a great way to come out and not be alone,” said Cooper.

All proceeds are donated to Caritas of Austin.

“The Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot has donated back $3.5 million dollars to our organization,” said Amy Jackson, Director of Development for Caritas of Austin.

Jackson says all that money is being put to immediate use to help house, feed, and help many of the less fortunate get on their feet and become productive members of society.

The event attracts 20,000 people from 49 different states and four countries.