Run Then Gobble: 8 Mile-Tested Turkey Trots

What’s your favorite Turkey Trot fun run?
.
Thanksgiving morning might be known for parades, pies, and football. But for WeeViews runners, it’s also one of the biggest race days of the year.
.
Whether you are chasing a PR before turkey and mashed potatoes, or simply burning a few calories before the feast, Turkey Trots are a fun, low pressure way to kick off the holiday.
.
🦃What’s your Turkey Trot tradition?
.
Check out these 8 Turkey Trot favorites, from small town community runs to big city classics that WeeViews members know and love.

A charming small town 5K that starts and ends at Attica High School in Attica, Ind. It is simple and friendly, and proceeds help stock the local food pantry. A perfect Thanksgiving warm up.
.
Race Details

• Distance: 5K run or walk
• Start Time: 9 a.m.
• Course: City street loop
• Awards: Top 3 overall male and female, top 3 per age group
• Fundraiser: Benefits the A.S.K. food pantry

Carey Harris

“This 5K takes place on Thanksgiving. This is a fun 5k that leads you down the main streets of Attica and through the historic district. The crisp fall air is a plus during this run. It is mostly flat with one 1/4 mile hill. Overall, a fun 5k!”

One of the biggest trots in the country with nearly 9,000 runners. Choose from a 5 mile, 5K, or 1 mile walk through downtown Cleveland. Expect high energy, lots of costumes, post race snacks, and solid swag that includes shirts and finisher medals.
.

Race Details

• Distance: 5 mile, 5K, 1 mile walk
• Start Time: 8:45 a.m. for 1 mile, 9:30 a.m. for 5K and 5 mile
• Course: Downtown Cleveland loop
• Awards: Overall & age group awards, finisher medal and long sleeve shirt
• Costumes: Costume contest for runners and pets
• Refreshments: Post race snacks
• Fundraiser: Local charities and food donations
• Participants: About 9,000

Brittany Kiehl

“Over 7,000 participated so it was congested most of the race. There was a long line to receive your medal and not many post race snacks. Top overall males and females received coffee mug awards and pumpkin pies. Everyone got a long sleeve shirt.”

This festive event offers a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and kids run along the B and O Railway Trail. Runners love the swag options such as holiday hats, tutus, and shirts. Post race treats include donuts and personal pies.
.
Race Details

• Distance: 5K, 10K, half marathon, kids fun run
• Start Time: 9 a.m. for kids run, about 9:15 a.m. for other races
• Course: B and O Railway Trail behind Heartland Church
• Awards: Varies by year, some years no awards but generous swag
• Swag and Refreshments: Hats, tutus, shirts, medals, pies, donuts
• Fundraiser: Provides Thanksgiving dinners for local seniors
• Participants: Usually 100 to 500

Scott O

“Been running the 10K at The Mansfield Lexington Turkey Trot for a few years.  Flat out and back course on the paved bike trail. The race is well organized with distances for all runners. Awesome hoodies, mini pies, and medals for all!”

A fun, festive Thanksgiving Day 5K in the heart of Sandy, Oregon. The Tickle Trot mixes small town charm with a family friendly holiday vibe. Runners enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, an easy to follow route, and a feel good event that supports the Sandy Action Center and families in need.
.
Race Details

• Distance: 5K run and walk
• Start Time: 8 a.m.
• Location: Meinig Park, Sandy, Oregon
• Course: Tickle Creek Trail
• Awards: All finishers until gone
• Costumes: Festive spirit encouraged, family friendly environment
• Fundraiser: Supports the Sandy Community Action Center, which provides food, clothing, and other support to local families
• Participants: 150

Evan Jensen

“Getting out there for the Tickle Trot in Sandy is a great way to burn off some stress and prepare for everything that comes with celebrating Thanksgiving Day. It's fun to see so many running friends on the trail for this event, and raise money for the Sandy Community Action Center.”

A Kent holiday tradition that includes a 5K and a short fun run. The first 700 registrants get a fleece blanket or sweatshirt. Kids in the fun run receive ribbons, which makes this a popular family event.
.
Race Details

• Distance: 5K and Fun Run under 800 meters
• Start Time: 9 a.m. fun run, 9:15 a.m. for 5K
• Location: Kent Parks and Recreation Shelter House
• Awards: Overall and age group awards, fun run ribbons
• Swag: Sweatshirt or fleece blanket for first 700, shirts for fun run participants

Gretchen Snyder

“I love this race! It’s out and back and mostly on a paved trail through beautiful Kent in the fall. Being in November, be careful of the slick, icy bridges. Well organized. A bit challenging with the final climb on gravel right before the finish.”

David Moore

“This was my first 5k and one that I’ve done 6 or 7 times now. A nice course starting in Fred Fuller Park and running along the Cuyahoga River. It’s always good to get out and run with family before the turkey dinner.”

Nancy Wardell

“The 5K Run/Walk is a bib chip timed race that will start at 9:15am. It is very important that you do not alter the bib that you are assigned in any fashion. The bib should be visible and worn on the front. The bib contains your timing chip.”

A long running holiday 5K that brings out more than 2,000 local runners and walkers. Expect age group awards, Clydesdale divisions, team competitions, and a strong community feel.
.
Race Details

• Distance: 5K
• Start Time: 9 a.m.
• Location: Westmoreland County Courthouse
• Awards: Top 3 male and female runners, walkers, Clydesdales, and team categories
• Fundraiser: Supports local nonprofits
• Participants: More than 2,000

cleopatra clifford

“This is historical Greensburg Pa. This 5k is Thanksgiving morning and such a great way to start the day. It is a small tour to highlight the area of Greensburg with rolling hills and something new to see on each turn!”

A sunny holiday race option for runners spending Thanksgiving near the coast. The route winds through the Market Common area. Expect a 5K, a kids Gobbler Dash, shirts, medals, and a relaxed beach town vibe.
.
Race Details

• Distance: 5K and Gobbler Kids Dash
• Start Time: 8 a.m.
• Location: Grand Park Lake at Market Common
• Course: Scenic loop
• Awards: Overall, masters, and age group awards
• Swag: Participant shirt while supplies last and a finisher medal
• Refreshments: Water and snacks after the race
• Fundraiser: MB Fire Cares and Waccamaw Shrine Club
• Participants: 1,000+

Adam St Germain

“This turkey trot held just off the shore of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a wonderful environment with great energy, 1000 runners toe the line every year. It's a blast, Highly recommend. If you’re in the area for Thanksgiving, get out and run it.”

Now in its 54th year, this community focused 5K welcomes toddlers in strollers, families, pets, and runners in their 90s. Expect lots of prizes, costumes, and a strong mission driven purpose because all proceeds support youth programs through the YMCA.
.
Race Details

• Distance: 5K run or walk
• Start Time: 9 a.m.
• Location: Tuscarawas County YMCA
• Participants: Family and dog friendly, all ages welcome
• Awards: Top 3 overall men and women, Top 3 in each age group, Best Spirit, Best Costume, Best Pet Costume, Oldest & Youngest Runner
• Swag: Youth and adult shirts from size small to 3XL with registration by November 1
• Fundraiser: Supports YMCA Annual Campaign programs such as youth sports, swim lessons, preschool, afterschool care, and summer camp
• Packet Pickup: November 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. and race morning from 7 to 8:15 a.m.

Lisa Keane

“Super organized & well supported w/ indoor staging & restrooms. Well marked flat, fast course w/ police / volunteer presence for safety. Chip timing w/ live results. SS tees and unique overall / age group awards. Water and bananas for all finishers.”

Thanksgiving morning is a perfect time to lace up, get moving, and enjoy the day before the feast.
.
These eight Turkey Trots show the variety of holiday runs WeeViews members enjoy, from big city crowds to quiet hometown 5Ks.
.
If you’re running a Turkey Trot this year, Create a WeeView, and tell us all about it. We’d love to hear your story and highlight more runner favorites next time.
.