Thanksgiving was on 26th of November. It is always on the fourth Thursday of that month. It is a day that everyone looks forward to. It is a welcomed break for school children and anyone who works. And, of course, there is a big meal to share with family, friends, or both if you are lucky. This year, I decided to try something different. Each Thanksgiving morning here in Wenatchee, there is The Turkey Run. It is a 5km run or walk that is organized to raise money for charity. Participants(1)need to pay a certain amount to receive an official number in the race. Then, all you need is a good pair of running shoes, and some warm clothes. I had got(2) up early that morning to go to the supermarket. It was freezing cold. "Uh!" I thought to myself, "The race will be miserable if it stays this cold." Thankfully, by the time my daughter and I were ready, the sun had come out, and it was a few degrees warmer. At the starting line, there were hundreds of people of all ages, all dressed in winter clothes, some wearing funny hats, and even a couple of ballet Tutus. There were lots of smiles and laughter, and a few serious runners who disappeared along the road and up the hill as fast as lightening. My daughter wanted to run ahead to find one of her friends, so I jogged behind her. I kept my eyes on her bright pink sweater, as it darted through the crowd. During the run, I saw people I know, and was able to walk and talk with a few. I also was able to admire those in wheelchairs who were making a wonderful effort for charity. There were people with turkey hats on, others dressed in the Seattle Seahawks colors, and even babies bundled up like Eskimos being carried by their parents. I can only imagine that  with such a good turnout(3), a lot of money was raised for charity. I will definitely take part in the race next year; I'm tempted to buy a silly turkey hat just for that occasion.

1. 'Participants' is the noun, from the verb 'to participate' meaning to take part in something.

a. We were participants in the race, but not serious runners.

b. Now it is time for the participants to be judged.

2. 'Got' is used in British English as the past participle, instead of 'gotten' which is used in the U.S.

a. We had got tired of the cold, so we went back to the house.

b. They missed the bus because they hadn't got up until really late.

3. 'Turnout' is a number of people coming to an event.

a. I'm so pleased at the turnout of this political rally.

b. The turnout for the new video game was a record breaker. 

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