7 U.S. Turkey Trot Races to Run This Thanksgiving
Here are seven nationwide Thanksgiving races to check out before (or after) digging into your grandma’s famous stuffing or your mom’s freshly-baked apple pie.
And just like that, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. If you’re like us, you’re probably just as surprised at how fast the holiday season came up this year. But now that we’re here, it’s time start celebrating, starting with some of this year’s most notable turkey trots. Whether you’re looking to do a quick 5K or testing yourself with a 10K, here are seven nationwide Thanksgiving races to check out before (or after) digging into your grandma’s famous stuffing and mom’s freshly baked apple pie:
Dana Point Turkey Trot
Nov. 28 | Dana Point, CA | $22-$57
The 41st annual Dana Point Turkey Trot will take place on Nov. 28 in Dana Point, a quaint southern California beach town. Take part in Thanksgiving festivities by running in the sixth largest turkey trot in the U.S with an expected 17,000 runners. This run offers a 5K, 10K, a Kid’s Gobble Wobble and a two-day health and fitness expo.
Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot
Nov. 22 | San Jose, CA | $22-$1,000
Join the Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot that has raised over $7.8 million for charities, focusing on fighting hunger, homelessness and poverty in the Bay Area. The run benefits organizations such as the Healthier Kids Foundation of Santa Clarita County, the Silicon Valley Housing Trust, the Second Harvest Food Bank and the Health Trust. Plus, being the hub of the tech industry, there’s also a CEO/Celebrity 5K race sponsored by Perkins Cole which includes gold, silver and bronze options, giving executives the chance to duke it out on the roads versus the worldwide web.
NYC Turkey Trot
Nov. 24 | Roosevelt Island, NY | $39
Join 60,000 runners this month (in person or virtually) to run the New York City Turkey Trot on its 20th anniversary this Thanksgiving season. This 5K helps raise money to support the Young Survival Coalition, offering women resources, connections and outreach when battling breast cancer. Sign up as an individual runner or gather your closest friends together and register as a team. Best name and best team will win $2,500 for their chosen charity—win both titles and receive $5,000 for the charity.
Turkey Trot Los Angeles
Nov. 22 | Los Angeles, CA | $20-$65
Make room for some good eats on Thanksgiving day during Los Angeles’ largest Turkey Trot. Passing through Spring Street, a.k.a. the “Wall Street of the West,” participants will get to race past iconic LA sights such as City Hall, Continental Hall, the city’s first skyscraper and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The race benefits The Midnight Mission, a charity focused on aiding those suffering from homelessness. All participants will receive a race-themed trucker hat along with their finisher’s medal. Register for the 5K or 10K in the individual or youth category or the Widdle Wobble run for children ages 2-12.
Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot
Nov. 22 | Dallas, Texas | $25-$48
The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot has been running for over 50 years, and is back again this year to provide a wholesome family event to take part in this Thanksgiving. Run the 5K with the family or the eight-mile race if you are a more serious runner. New this year, the 1K junior trot gets the littlest ones involved with a race for children ages 6-11. All proceeds benefit the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, which supports community programs.
Florida Turkey Trot
Nov. 22 | Sarasota, FL | $15-$40
On Thanksgiving day, check out the Florida Turkey Trot 5K turkey or watch your kids participate in the Kids’ Turkey Dash in Nathan Benderson Park (NBP), a world-class, multi-use sports venue. Proceeds from the race go to Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, a non-profit that manages NBP, improving the quality of life for the community by becoming an economic generator for the region. Food donations will also be accepted by Fit2Run and NBP on race day.
Turkey Trot Chicago
Nov. 22 | Chicago, IL | $20-$45
Chicago’s 41st annual Turkey Trot is more than just a run; it also features a Turkey Day Tailgate, where participants can take part in Thanksgiving-themed games, along with warm apple cider, before and after the race. This race supports the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and gives participants a chance to run a 5K or 8K. The trot also offers a youth 5K for those under 17 and Plymouth Rock Ramble for children ages 2-12. Additionally, trot with a group of 10 or more and all members of your flock will receive a turkey-themed gift.
Seattle Turkey Trot
Nov. 22 | Seattle, WA |
Gather your flock and participate in Seattle’s 5K Turkey Trot this month, whether you run, jog or walk to the finish line. All proceeds go to the Ballard Food Bank, giving you an opportunity to help feed others on Thanksgiving Day. The turkey trot starts at Seattle’s iconic Sunset Hill and finishes at Golden Gardens Park.