26th Annual Charity Run Draws 4,737 Participants to Support Williamson County Families in Need
FRANKLIN, TN – GraceWorks Ministries’ 26th Annual Turkey Trot shattered expectations on Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 2025, with 4,737 participants gathering at Meridian Cool Springs for the beloved charity run. The event raised record-breaking funds for GraceWorks’ programs providing food, shelter and support services to struggling families throughout Williamson County and Middle Tennessee.
The turnout surpassed last year’s Turkey Trot by more than 500 participants and continued the event’s growth trajectory from previous years. Participants of all ages took part in the 10K, 5K and Kids’ Turkey Chase, with many arriving in festive attire, including Santa, turkey, and Big Bird costumes.
“What an incredible morning,” said Alicia Bell, CEO of GraceWorks Ministries. “Turkey Trot has truly become a Thanksgiving tradition that defines our community’s spirit of generosity. To see almost 5,000 neighbors come together before their holiday meals to support families facing hardship—that’s the heart of Williamson County on full display.”
This year’s event featured a new addition: race corrals that grouped participants by expected finish times. The change enhanced the experience for both competitive runners seeking personal records and families preferring a leisurely pace. The USATF-certified courses accommodated everyone from serious athletes to parents pushing strollers.
Atmos Energy and Jackson National Life Insurance Company® sponsored the event, and Susannah Berry, Jackson Assistant Vice President of Corporate Philanthropy and Events, expressed enthusiasm about the community turnout: “Jackson is passionate about investing in the communities where we live and work, and Turkey Trot exemplifies the impact we can achieve together. Through our partnership with GraceWorks, we’re able to further our common goal of strengthening families and creating economic opportunities for everyone in Williamson County. Seeing more than 4,700 neighbors come together on Thanksgiving morning to support this mission is truly inspiring.”
“Turkey Trot has become a cherished tradition for many Williamson County families,” said Christina Christiansen, Atmos Energy Manager of Public Affairs, “and this perfectly reflects Atmos Energy’s commitment to fueling safe and thriving communities. We’re proud to support an event that brings the community together while raising funds for families in need.”
The event’s most moving moment took place just before the start of the 5K. Anjali Babu, representing Team Chethan, gave a speech to the gathered crowd about her late brother, Chethan Babu, who died in a motorcycle accident on September 14, 2025, at just 15 years old.
“When we lost Chethan in September, our world changed forever,” she said. “He loved people more deeply than most do in a lifetime. He loved laughing with friends, spending time with family, and finding joy in every moment possible. Spending today surrounded by all of you reminds us that his joy, kindness, and spirit are still alive through the people he touched.”
Team Chethan was the largest race team by far at the Turkey Trot, with 202 runners. Each one ran to honor and remember Chethan Babu.