Thanksgiving Day consistently ranks as the most popular running day in the United States. So gobble on and register for a trail Turkey Trot near you!
📍 Los Angeles, CA
👣 1/2 Marathon, 5K, 10K
📅 November 28, 2024
Organized by SoCalTrail
Get ready to rip LA’s only Thanksgiving morning trail race! Join SoCalTrail for the LA Turkey Trail Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K in the stunning Santa Monica Mountains! Dash down the fire roads (this is the first time Westridge is part of an official race course!), conquer the singletrack, and take in sweeping views of the ocean and the distant San Gabriel Mountains.
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📍 Multiple locations (Branson, MO / Daingerfield, TX / San Antonio, TX / Valley View, TX)
👣 5K, 10K
📅 November 28, 2024
Organized by Holiday Races
Holiday Races is transforming holiday running by taking it off the pavement and into the wild! Founded by Briston Rains, the visionary behind Texas Outlaw Running, Holiday Races was created to fill the gap for trail enthusiasts seeking adventure over the holidays. With races hosted by independent directors across the U.S., Holiday Races combines the thrill of nature with the spirit of celebration, offering runners unique and unforgettable holiday experiences. Register for a race near you!
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📍 Healdsburg, CA
👣 5K
📅 November 28, 2024
Organized by Skip Brand
The 2024 Healdsburg 5K Turkey Trot returns this Thanksgiving morning, kicking off at the Healdsburg Running Company. This festive fun run/walk will lead participants through the charming streets of downtown Healdsburg, bringing the community together for a morning of celebration and movement. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise, the race supports the “Live Like Drew” Drew Esquivel Scholarship Fund, which assists exceptional scholar-athletes from Healdsburg High School in achieving their college dreams. Registration includes a commemorative 2024 Turkey Trot shirt, with costs set at $25 for adults and $20 for kids under 12. Start Thanksgiving with camaraderie, community, and a great cause!
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📍 Granger, IA
👣 10 Mile, 50K, 50 Mile, 100 Mile
📅 November 23, 2024
Organized by Shannon Haus
Challenge your limits at the 6th annual Stuffed Turkey Endurance Races in Jester Park, Granger, Iowa. Participants will tackle rolling hills and fast flats—but weather could make it a tougher test of endurance. This year, the 50K, 50 Mile, and 100 Mile races have also been designated as UTMB index races, adding a prestigious twist. The course features aid stations every 5 miles, and those taking on the 100-mile distance can pick up a pacer at the 50-mile mark. It’s a challenging event, packed with support, scenic trails, and a lot of grit—perfect for anyone ready to push their boundaries.
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📍 Virtual in Olympia, WA
👣 12K, 24K, 35K
📅 November 23 – December 1, 2024
Organized by Oly Trail Runners
Participants are invited to take their Turkey Trot off-road and virtual this season to support the Thurston County Food Bank. In the “Less Turkey, More Trot” event, runners can choose their distance and complete it anytime from Saturday, November 23 to Sunday, December 1, on one of the scenic Capitol Forest courses starting at Margaret McKenny. Awards will recognize the most creative race photos, the youngest runners, a hidden Strava segment winner, and include random raffle prizes. Thanks to generous donors, prizes from Sofie’s Scoops, Skratch, Ciele, 8 Arms Bakery, Hoka, and more are up for grabs. Don’t miss the chance to run for a great cause!
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📍 West Orange, NJ
👣 50K, 25K, 10K, 5K
📅 November 30, 2024
Organized by Sassquad Trail Running
Gobble up some miles at the Squatchy Leftovers Trail Race. No matter the distance you’ll enjoy a scenic loop packed with mellow carriage roads, rocky singletrack, and just the right amount of climbing to keep it interesting! This trail party, hosted by Sassquad Trail Running, benefits Bigger Than The Trail, a nonprofit providing free therapy for those in need. Missed out on registration? Snag a charity bib for guaranteed entry and support a great cause! Lace up and join the fun—Squatch-style!
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📍 Cape Girardeau, MO
👣 5.5 Mile
📅 November 24, 2024
Organized by Missouri Running Company
This “flat, smooth, paved” course (just kidding—it’s a 5.5-mile hilly, rooty singletrack) promises a wild Thanksgiving adventure. With a field capped at 100, this race will fill up fast, so register early—no race day sign-ups! Prizes include a $100 MoRunCo gift certificate for top male and female finishers, plus awards for the top three in each division. All participants score a Missouri Running tech shirt and socks, and post-race food and drinks are provided. Stick around for a free Kids Fun Run, too—parents encouraged to join in the fun!
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Fun fact: Thanksgiving Day consistently ranks as the most popular running day in the U.S., with events held in nearly every state and races ranging from family-friendly fun runs to more competitive distances. The festive nature of these races, combined with the chance to get the body moving before feasting, draws runners of all ages and abilities, making it a uniquely accessible and widely celebrated running tradition.
