Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Guide: Best Races, Tips, and More
Some of the Runstreet crew at the Prospect Park Turkey Trot in Brooklyn.
By Marnie Kunz
If you’d like to run a Thanksgiving turkey trot, this guide will help you find a race and prepare for a festive, fun seasonal run. Whether you need to find a turkey costume or get some training tips for your turkey trot, this article will help. As a running coach and turkey trotter in Brooklyn, I’ve enjoyed my share of turkey trots. The Thanksgiving turkey trot is a fun way to kick off the holiday season and enjoy a community run while burning off some extra Thanksgiving calories. Most turkey trots also have a charitable component and benefit local food banks or related causes.
What Is a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot?
If you’re wondering what is a turkey trot, it’s a festive fun run with a turkey theme that usually occurs on Thanksgiving Day. Turkey trot races can range from 1 mile to 10K and even longer, with many clocking in at 5K. Turkey trots are usually on the morning of Thanksgiving and help people get in a workout and burn calories before Thanksgiving feasting later in the day. The turkey theme is an homage to the traditional Thanksgiving meal that centers on turkey. Most turkey trots encourage costumes and you’ll see people running in turkey onesies, headbands, and more to get in the spirit.
Best Turkey Trots Around the U.S.
If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving turkey trot, there are many options around the U.S., with almost every city hosting at least one turkey-themed fun run. Here are some of the most popular turkey trots around the country:
Prospect Park Turkey Trot in Brooklyn is the most popular turkey trot in NYC and one of the biggest races in Prospect Park each year. I’ve enjoyed running this 5-mile loop-and-a-half course in Prospect Park on several occasions. This race fills up fast so it’s best to register early. The race now has a charitable component as well, with the 2022 race in partnership with the American Indian Community House (AICH), whose mission is to improve and promote the well-being of the American Indian Community and to increase the visibility of American Indian cultures in an urban setting in order to cultivate awareness, understanding, and respect. Learn more about the Prospect Park Turkey Trot on the Prospect Park Track Club website.
Turkey Trot Chicago is a 5K and 8K fun run held in Lincoln Park, Chicago to enjoy a morning of running for a good cause. The event raises money for local food banks. Find out more and register here.
Mile High Turkey Trot in Denver is an annual tradition that benefits the United Way Denver with the 4-mile community run-walk. Join in the fun in support of a charitable cause and register here.
Las Vegas Turkey Trot offers a wide range of distance options on the scenic course along an old railroad outside of Vegas. Runners go through six tunnels on the way to Hoover Dam on this race through the desert. The Thanksgiving turkey trot distances include options for 1 mile, 5K, 12K, and half marathon. Learn more and register here.
Dana Point, CA Turkey Trot is a popular turkey trot in beautiful southern California. The event includes options for a 5K run/walk, 10K, 15K Combo, or Kids 1-Mile Gobble Wobble in the picturesque Dana Point Harbor. Learn more and register here.
Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is the largest turkey trot in the country, featuring turkey-themed runs in downtown San Jose, California with distance options including a 5K, 10K, and kids’ fun run. Charitable beneficiaries include hunger relief and community health organizations. Learn more here.
Washington, DC Trot for Hunger 5K is the largest community event to fight hunger, poverty, and homelessness in DC. The family-friendly event offers an active day of service to help build community and support for those in need. Learn more and register here.
Turkey Trot Costumes and Gear
Once you’ve picked your Thanksgiving turkey trot and signed up, it’s time to consider what to wear. Here are some popular turkey trot clothing items for your big event:
Thanksgiving socks
Turkey hat
Thanksgiving sweaters and shirts
Thanksgiving onesie costumes, for the most gung-ho trotters
Turkey-themed dog bandanas and shirts
If you want to join the feathery festivities, check out Gone for a Run’s turkey-themed running gear and accessories. You can also find adult turkey onesies and costumes at Spirit Halloween and on Amazon. For accessories and handmade turkey shirts, socks, and more, check out Etsy.
Don’t forget to deck out your dog if you’re running with your pup too. There are turkey-themed Thanksgiving dog bandanas, clothing, and more on Chewy, my personal favorite for pet supplies.
Turkey Trot Training Tips
Thanksgiving turkey trot races are generally very beginner-friendly and non-competitive (except maybe in the costume category!), so training for a turkey trot does not have to be too intense. If you are a beginning runner, I recommend building up your endurance slowly so you can run your full turkey trot race distance when Thanksgiving race day rolls around.
Here are my training tips for turkey trotting:
Build up endurance slowly. If you’re a new runner or just getting back into running, build up your weekly miles slowly. Add no more than 10 percent more miles to your training each week to stay running strong and injury-free. If you need a 5K, 10K, or half marathon training plan, check out our shop.
Set a race intention. Are you running to raise money for an important cause, going for the pre-feast calorie burn, or do you want to enjoy some family and friends time? Set your main intention and then you will be able to train accordingly. This will also help you get the most out of your turkey trot experience as you’ll be able to focus on what matters most to you.
Fuel up before your race. You may be eating a big meal later but don’t skip out on breakfast. Have a carb-rich, low-fiber breakfast at least two hours before your race so you can stay energized. See my article on what to eat before running for more ideas on easy snacks and breakfast foods that are good for runners.
Do speed work if you have a time goal. If you are intent on getting your best race time at your local turkey trot, speed training will help you get faster. Start your speed work at least two months before your race date to see the best results. Check out our articles on Speed Training for Beginners, 5 Running Workouts to Get Faster, and 5 Speed Workouts for 5K Success for workouts and tips to help you get faster.
Prepare your turkey outfit. This one is optional but if you want to join in the costumed fun, assemble your turkey outfit so you’re ready for race day.
Enjoy! Turkey trots are community-building events that often help out local charities. Enjoy the time with family and friends and your local running community.
Have you participated in a turkey trot, or do you have one coming up? Share your turkey trot fun with us on the @Runstreet Instagram to get cheered on. Happy trotting to you, and happy holidays! 😊
Related Posts: Best Halloween Races, Holiday Fitness Tips, 10 Winter Running Tips, Speed Training for Beginners
Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach and the creator of Runstreet Art Runs, which bring together communities through running and street art. She is a Brooklyn resident, Akita mom🐕, and writer. You can follow her running and training at @Runstreet Instagram.
