Turkey Trots have a long, rich history and these days they're practically as much of a Thanksgiving tradition as the bird itself. Whether your local race has gone virtual this year or you're searching for a replacement, there are plenty of options all across the country to choose from. Keep the tradition alive by registering for one of the following races.
America's Turkey Trot
September 30-November 26, 2020
What Makes It Special: Partnering with turkey trots all over the country, America's Turkey Trot wants to make the largest day of running! With multiple race distances available and a full zip jacket, pumpkin-pie inspired finisher's medal and navy-blue beanie up for grabs, there's something for everyone.
Turkey Trot Los Angeles
November 26, 2020 based in Los Angeles
What Makes It Special: While the event may look a little different this year, you'll still have the opportunity to support a good cause: The Midnight Mission, which offers a path to self-sufficiency for those experiencing homelessness.
Dana Point Turkey Trot
November 22-28, 2020 based 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.
San Francisco Turkey Trot
November 21-26, 2020 based in San Francisco
What Makes It Special: San Francisco's 18th 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 the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank.
Hobbler Gobbler Thanksgiving Day Run
November 21-26, 2020 based 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.
Bainbridge Island Turkey Trot
November 26-29, 2020 based in Bainbridge Island, Washington
What Makes It Special: While the race being virtual means you won't get to enjoy the idyllic setting on Bainbridge Island in the beautiful Puget Sound off Washington's coast, you'll still feel good about your money benefitting the Helpline House.
GraceWorks Turkey Trot 5K
November 19-26, 2020 based in Franklin, Tennessee
What Makes It Special: Get ready to tackle the largest 5K run/walk in all of Middle Tennessee. This race has been around for over 15 years and has no plans of slowing down.
Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot
November 26, 2020 based in Dallas
What Makes It Special: The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot very well could be the largest in the nation. Going on 50 years, this event gets bigger and better with age. With 5K and 8K distances and timed and untimed registration options, this race has something for every family member.
Abilene Turkey Trot
November 26, 2020 based in Abilene, Texas
What Makes It Special: Participants have the option of running the event in person or virtually! Plus, all proceeds will benefit West Texas Rehab.
Bonfield Express Turkey Trot
November 23-29, 2020 based in Grove, Illinois
What Makes It Special: A Downers Grove tradition, the Bonfield Express 5K has been held every Thanksgiving morning for the past 16 years. Funds generated from the race provide scholarship assistance to local high school seniors.
Turkey Mosh 5K
November 26-29, 2020 based in Erlanger, Kentucky
What Makes It Special: You may not get the scenic course or hike up Mosh Mountain this year, so pick your favorite route to complete your virtual Turkey Mosh.
Out Side In Turkey Trot
November 26, 2020 based in Grand Haven, Michigan
What Makes It Special: Help provide equine assisted psychotherapy for people in the community suffering from emotional and mental health issues by signing up for Grand Haven's 8th annual Turkey Trot 5K.
Hale to the Bird 5K
November 26, 2020 based in Cottage Grove, Minnesota
What Makes It Special: Started in 2010 to help raise funds for the Friends in Need Food Shelf, this year's race is an exciting, family-friendly opportunity to help you burn some calories before sitting down to your big Thanksgiving meal.
Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk Presented by Brad Bradshaw MD JD LC
November 26-29, 2020 based in Springfield, Missouri
What Makes It Special: This turkey trot is Springfield's largest timed 5K run/walk of the year and the largest Thanksgiving Day 5K in Missouri, attracting more than 7,000 participants a year. It may be virtual this year, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fun!
Nakon Foundation Turkey Dash
November 26, 2020 based in Avon, Ohio
What Makes It Special: Funds raised from this annual Turkey Dash go directly to women and their families in Northeast Ohio who are impacted by the financial burden of breast cancer treatments. Last year, over $30,000 was raised!
Run Turkey Run
November 14-21, 2020
What Makes It Special: The race may be virtual this year, but the Run Turkey Run organizers took the time to create course maps for over 100 cities around the country!
Lenny & Joe's Madison Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in Madison, Connecticut
What Makes It Special: In its 42nd year, this race offers multiple race distances. Plus, long sleeve tees are guaranteed to the first 2,500 pre-registered participants.
Feaster Five
November 22-29, 2020 based in Andover, Massachusetts
What Makes It Special: Now in its 33rd year, this race attracts huge numbers of participants—in fact, registration includes a long-sleeve technical tee and is capped at the first 9,000 runners. Sounds like a pretty good reason to sign up now, we think!
Maudslay Turkey Trot
November 26-27, 2020 based in Newburyport, Massachusetts
What Makes It Special: By entering, 100% of the proceeds will support local charities, such as Our Neighbors Table, Pettengil House and the Salvation Army.
READ THIS NEXT: 6 Reasons to Keep the Turkey Trot Tradition Alive This Year
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