The Best Turkey Trots to Run This Thanksgiving

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Turkey Trots have a long, rich history and these days they're practically as much of a Thanksgiving tradition as the bird itself. Find the best race near you so the whole family can earn that extra slice of pie.

West Coast | SouthMidwest | Northeast

West Coast

Arizona

Anthem AZ Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in Anthem, Arizona

What Makes It Special: In its 17th year, this rolling course winds through the beautiful Anthem community in the shadow of Daisy Mountain and Gavilan Peak.

Fat Turkey Trail Run
November 30, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona

What Makes It Special: While most Thanksgiving races are held on the actual day, the Fat Turkey Trail Run takes a different approach. Held the Saturday after the big day (when you're feeling like a Fat Turkey yourself), you can toe the line for 5K or 10K on the trails of Papago Park. Plus, if you beat the turkey to the finish line, you'll receive a custom Fat Turkey pint glass—who needs more motivation than that?

California

San Dimas Turkey Trot
November 23, 2019 in San Dimas, California

What Makes It Special: A rarity among Turkey Trots, this race has a mix of dirt and paved trails. It also features wonderful lake and mountain views.

Seal Beach Turkey Trot
November 23, 2019

What Makes It Special: Be a part of the inaugural Seal Beach Turkey Trot as you run past the views on Old Main Street, as well as some of the most beautiful scenery in California. Registration will be limited to 3,000 participants, so make sure to register early!

Turkey Triathlon
November 24, 2019 in San Dimas, California

What Makes It Special: While not strictly a traditional turkey trot, if you're looking to triple your Thanksgiving effort by adding a swim and bike to your run, the Turkey Triathlon is the race for you. Take on the half-mile swim, 14-mile bike and 4.5-mile run before sitting down and digging into a full plate (or two!) of turkey with all the fixings.

Turkey Trot Los Angeles
November 28, 2019 in Los Angeles

What Makes It Special: This is the only Thanksgiving race set in historic downtown Los Angeles. And all participants will receive a sparkly finisher medal and comfy race T-shirt.

Turkey Trot at the Marina
November 28, 2019 in Long Beach, California

What Makes It Special: Run through the scenic streets of Long Beach, California, as you take in the beautiful ocean view, stop at fully stocked aid stations and collect your 4-inch medal as you cross the finish line. Plus, with three different start times, you can choose how early—or late—you want to start your Thanksgiving Day. It's a race for the ages, and you don't want to miss out.

Dana Point Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in Dana Point, California

What Makes It Special: The sixth-largest turkey trot in the entire country, the Dana Point race was named one of the best Thanksgiving Day runs by Fitness Magazine, attracting more than 17,000 participants across the three race distances and two-day health and fitness expo. If that's not enough to convince you, this unique turkey trot will also offer beautiful views of the beach, cliffs and coves of Dana Point, as well as sights of the Dana Point Marina, Doheny State Park and Historic Tallship Pilgrim in Dana Point Harbor.

Run for the Hungry
November 28, 2019 in San Diego

What Makes It Special: Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks for everything you have in your life. To many, it's also about giving back. Run for the Hungry, established in 2002, allows you to do both. Start off your Thanksgiving with a 5K or 10K walk or run that benefits people who face hunger in the San Diego community. All profits raised are donated to the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and other hunger-relief programs in the area.

San Francisco Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in San Francisco

What Makes It Special: San Francisco's 17th annual Turkey Trot isn't your ordinary race. Priced by the calorie, the race offers three options for your pre-Turkey feast: the Turkey Trail Trot (5-mile run, 600 calories), Pilgrim Promenade (3-mile walk, 300 calories) and Kids Gobbler Chase (100-meter fun run, 8 calories). Proceeds from the race will also benefit Lowell High School's track & field team.

Burbank Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in Burbank, California

What Makes It Special: With multiple distance options, this race is a fun way for the whole family to start their Turkey Day. Challenge yourself to the 10K or walk 5K with your kids. Plus, your race entry will help support the Burbank Community YMCA's financial assistance program, which enables the Y to avoid turning away anyone from membership due to inability to pay.

Fortem Financial Thanksgiving Day 5K
November 28, 2019 in Palm Desert, California

What Makes It Special: An annual, family-friendly tradition that supports and raises awareness for Martha's Village & Kitchen, an organization striving to end hunger and homelessness in the Coachella Valley. Over 4,000 people attend each year, making it a fun affair for all!

Vacaville Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in Vacaville, California

What Makes It Special: Finish the race and receive a slice of fresh pumpkin pie! What could be better than that? Plus, with a flat and slightly rolling course, you won't have to work too hard to make it through 3.1 and onto your turkey dinner.

Colorado

Longmont Turkey Trot 10K and 2-Mile Run
November 9, 2019 in Longmont, Colorado

What Makes It Special: Most Turkey Trots are usually 5Ks—but not the Longmont. This 10K race is go long or go home, and after more than 40 years, this race isn't slowing down anytime soon. Added bonus: All proceeds benefit the City of Longmont Youth Scholarship Fund.

Nevada

Scheels Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in Sparks, Nevada

What Makes It Special: Get some exercise and give back to the community at the 21st annual Scheels Turkey Trot. Choose between the 10K or the 2-mile untimed walk or run around Sparks Marina.

New Mexico

Hobbler Gobbler Thanksgiving Day Run 10K, 5K and Kids K
November 28, 2019 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

What Makes It Special: Get some exercise in before all the parades, football and food by taking on this race that's fun for the whole family. A portion of the proceeds benefit RunFit, an afterschool running program for kids, as well as the RunFit Mobile Food Pantries.

Taos Turkey Trot
November 23, 2019 in Taos, New Mexico

What Makes It Special: Family, friends and a fast and flat course on a paved route. Plus, it doubles as a fundraiser for the Taos Swim Club's Children's Swimming Program.

Utah

South Davis Thanksgiving Races
November 28, 2019 in Bountiful, Utah

What Makes It Special: Distances of 1K, 5K and 10K make this race accessible for the entire family. The course runs through beautiful Bountiful, Utah, and the name is fitting because you'll be making room for all those bountiful calories...er, blessings.

Washington

Bainbridge Island Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in Bainbridge Island, Washington

What Makes It Special: The idyllic setting on Bainbridge Island in the beautiful Puget Sound off Washington's coast is almost reason enough to make this Turkey Trot special. It's worth the ferry ride over from Seattle if only to take in the island's quaint community. Proceeds from the race benefit the Helpline House.

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