16 Turkey Trots You’ll Love to Run on Thanksgiving
Most races are virtual this year, so go ahead—pick the race with the best swag.
Around a decade ago, Thanksgiving Day overtook the Fourth of July as the most popular day for road racing in the United States, officially making the Turkey Trot top dog. Or top turkey. That’s because nearly a million participants partake in more than 1,000 races, of distances ranging from two miles to a half marathon, each November.
The majority of those races have gone virtual this year, because of the coronavirus pandemic. But that doesn’t mean you should sit out from turkey trotting this year. Plan your race route in advance, print out the bib from your virtual race, and ask a member of your household to cheer for you at the finish line (or better yet, join you!) Maybe this year you will create new traditions that will carry on for years to come.
Below, we’ve compiled a rundown of some of the oldest, fastest, and most giving races on Turkey Day—most of which are virtual.
Buffalo YMCA Turkey Trot
Where: Buffalo, New York
Distance(s): 8K
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Why we like it: This 8K Turkey Trot, in its 125th year (!), is the longest consecutively run race in the country. Nothing has stopped this race from starting since it began in 1896, including the coronavirus pandemic and a freak blizzard in 2000 during which Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello had to order the streets cleared for the race.
Typically, there are around 14,000 runners who start the race, but this year’s live version will only feature 125 runners, who were randomly selected at the end of September. Anyone else who wants to participate can register for the virtual race.
Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race
Where: Cincinnati, Ohio
Distance(s): 10K
Why we like it: This event kicked off in 1908, making it the sixth-oldest road race in the country and the oldest in the Midwest. The live version of this family-friendly 10K—which starts at Paul Brown Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals—covers three cities, three bridges, and two states before culminating in a festive party. While this race has grown to nearly 18,000 participants over the years, the 2020 race has gone completely virtual.
New Orleans Athletic Club Turkey Day Race
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
Distance(s): 5 miles
Why we like it: The 113th version of this race, which benefits Spina Bifida of Louisiana and Second Harvest Food Bank, will be completely virtual. We like this race because the live course stays within the scenic City Park, passing such landmarks as the New Orleans Botanical Garden and New Orleans Museum of Art.
[The 2021 Runner's World Calendar features gorgeous photos, monthly motivation, and tips to inspire your running all year long.]
Des Moines Turkey Trot
Where: Des Moines, Iowa
Distance(s): 5K
Why we like it: This race has long been a favorite for its scenic route that starts in front of the Des Moines Courthouse and winds its way through just about every landmark the city’s downtown area has to offer. But this year’s virtual race is doing something to up the experience for you. Participants can sign up to receive a “challenge box,” filled with all kinds of swag and surprises to make your virtual race the best it can possibly be.
Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot
Where: San Jose, California
Distance(s): 5K, 10K
Why we like it: The 28,000-strong live event, the largest fully-timed race on Thanksgiving, typically includes a popular costume contest and has raised $7.8 million for local charities and food banks since kicking off 13 years ago. Also, top runners in the individual 5K race competing for $12,000 in prize money—and if you set a U.S. record, your purse could potentially jump another $5,000. Not bad for a Turkey Trot!
For this year’s virtual version, all participants are enrolled in the Hometown Hero Challenge, which challenges runners to do a series of Good Deeds around the community.
Manchester Road Race
Where: Manchester, Connecticut
Distance(s): 4.748 miles
Why we like it: New England’s most esteemed Thanksgiving Day race, now in its 84th year, is also is one of the country’s fastest. The event, which gives out prize money, usually offers additional prizes of $1,000 to the first male and female competitors who reach the top of the Highland Street Hill. A week out from Thanksgiving Day, there are 1,647 runners registered from 35 different states and 10 different countries.
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O’side Turkey Trot
Where: Oceanside, California
Distance(s): 5K, 5 mile, or a combo
Why we like it: When this race isn’t virtual, the course runs along the spectacular California coastline in Oceanside, just north of San Diego, providing jaw-dropping distraction with waves crashing against the rocks nearby. This year’s edition will still include a costume contest, with a $100 gift card up for grabs.
Run for the Diamonds
Where: Berwick, Pennsylvania
Distance(s): 9 miles
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Why we like it: Started in 1908, this race has only been canceled twice—in 1918 and 1919. That’s right, this race is happening live this year, with plenty of COVID-19 precautions in place, like waves at the start and mask requirements for anyone who is not actively running. Participants will still compete for 22 diamond-centric top prizes: pendants for the women and rings for the men, across several different categories. And if that’s not a big enough incentive, the entry fee tops out at just $35.
Mile High United Way Turkey Trot
Where: Denver, Colorado
Distance(s): 4 miles
Why we like it: Even though the 47th version of this trot is virtual, it’s still a prominent fundraiser for the United Way. Don’t forget to toast at your finish line with a craft beer, in honor of Denver’s many local breweries.
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Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot
Where: Detroit, Michigan
Distance(s): 10K, 5K, 1 mile
Why we like it: One of the country’s largest turkey trots is completely virtual this year, with 5K, 10K, and 1-mile options for participants. This trio of races is held just before America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the second oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country. Don’t forget your costume!
North Shore Turkey Trot
Where: Highland Park, Illinois
Distance(s): 5K, 10K
Why we like it: No ho-hum T-shirts at the North Shore Turkey Trot. Even though the race is virtual, the swag is still top-notch. This year, runners can cozy up in a full-zip jacket, a navy blue beanie, and a pumpkin pie-inspired medal. (Other previous bounties included turkey-dotted sweatpants.)
Wisconsin Runs Turkey Trot
Where: De Pere, Milwaukee, and Madison, Wisconsin
Distance(s): 5K, 8K
Why we like it: When held in-person, this run is staged at three locations across the state of Wisconsin, and it features locally-made doughnuts waiting at the end. Of course, you will get a finishing medal (a “smile medal”), but unlike the typical, cheap race shirt, you'll walk away with a fleece sweatshirt that will “keep you warm, like that turkey in the oven.”
30A 10K
Where: Rosemary Beach, Florida
Distance(s): 30K, 10K, 5K, 1-mile
Why we like it: With an event for everyone in your household, the 30A 10K is aan all-around community experience. Now in its ninth year, the 30A 10K has donated more than $430,000 to local charities. Talk about counting your blessings.
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NYC Runs New York City Turkey Trot
Where: New York City, New York
Distance: 5K
Why we like it: This virtual race is completely on the honor system—run (or walk, or bike!) whatever distance you want, and if you can do so safely, run with your household. The race even sends you a gaiter that you can wear. And when you finish this race, grab some NYC-style bagels for breakfast. Your day is going to be filled with carbs, so why not kick it off early?
Music City Turkey Trot 5k
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
Distance: 5K
Why we like it: This race course typically starts and ends at Nissan Stadium, where the NFL’s Tennessee Titans play. To put you in a giving mood, the race will benefit the Salvation Army, providing supportive housing to members of the community.
29th Annual YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh Turkey Trot
Where: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Distance(s): 5k, 5 mile, 1 mile
Why we like it: In the live version of this race, you can run with your dog–need we say more? But really, this race helps support the effort to provide food security to people in Pittsburgh, benefitting YMCA food pantry programs and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. What more could you ask for?
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
Jacob joined Runner’s World and Bicycling as an editorial fellow after graduating from Northwestern University in 2018, where he studied journalism. His work focuses mainly on news and service pieces for both audiences, with the occasional foray into longer feature work and product reviews. He especially loves to highlight the journeys of unique runners and riders doing amazing things in their communities.
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