What Is a Turkey Trot?

The tradition began in Buffalo, New York in 1896, when just six runners lined up outside a YMCA building for a five-mile contest. That humble start created what is now recognized as the oldest continually run footrace in the United States, and it set the tone for a holiday habit that has only grown stronger.

Today, turkey trots typically cover 5K or 10K, though most organizers also offer family fun runs and kids' dashes. The flexible distances mean you'll often find seasoned club athletes warming up alongside groups in matching holiday sweaters. This that blend of the competitive with the playful is part of the race day charm that runners enjoy each year.

With more than a thousand events taking place nationwide each year, there is almost certainly a trot within easy reach. Our turkey trot calendar lists them all, making it simple to compare locations, distances, and dates if you're planning ahead.

Iconic Turkey Trots in the US

130th Annual YMCA Buffalo Niagara Turkey Trot (NY) First held in 1896, Buffalo's race is recognized as the oldest continually run footrace in the United States. More than 14,000 runners now take part each year, turning Thanksgiving morning into a moving piece of history through the city streets. The atmosphere mixes fancy dress with competitive club runners, and finishing this race gives you a sense of taking part in a living tradition.

Dallas County YMCA Turkey Day 5K (TX) Dallas has become synonymous with scale on Thanksgiving morning. Tens of thousands gather downtown for a race that's equal parts community festival and serious competition. The flat course is lined with spectators, and the sheer size of the field makes it one of the most impressive holiday runs anywhere in the country. If you thrive on atmosphere and want to feel the buzz of running in a truly giant field, Dallas delivers.

Turkey Trots in Major Cities

Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot (CA) A Silicon Valley institution, this is one of the largest races in the country. Tens of thousands turn out each year, creating an atmosphere that mixes festival fun with serious competition. Expect live music, charity fundraising on a huge scale, and plenty of runners chasing fast times on the flat course.

New York City Turkey Trot (NY) Queens hosts this growing event, offering both a 5K and a half marathon. The range of distances attracts beginners looking for a first race as well as seasoned athletes building winter endurance. With city landmarks in view and big-city energy throughout, it's a distinctly New York way to start Thanksgiving.

Beverly Hills Turkey Trot (IL/Chicago Area) This South Side Chicago tradition blends local pride with strong organization. The course winds through the historic Beverly neighborhood, where local families line the streets to cheer. It's a race with genuine community character, and the combination of friendly volunteers and fast, well-marked paths make it a reliable pick.

25th Annual Irvington Turkey Trot (NJ) One of New Jersey's longest-running trots, Irvington mixes a festive spirit with a strong charitable element. Runners bring donations for the community food drive, making this as much about giving back as about running. The course is flat and accessible, and the event has become a holiday staple for the region.

Scenic Turkey Trots Worth the Trip

Honolulu Marathon Clinic Turkey Trot (HI) Running a 10-mile race in tropical warmth while the rest of the country is layering up? That's the appeal of Honolulu's trot. Palm trees line the route, the Pacific provides the backdrop, and the relaxed organization reflects island life. If you want your holiday to feel like a celebration rather than a challenge, this one stands out.

Fleet Feet Denver Turkey Trot (CO) Colorado's entry offers clear skies, crisp air, and snow-tipped mountains on the horizon. The course through Washington Park is flat enough to be approachable, but the altitude means you'll feel the effort. The combination of scenery and challenge makes it one of the most memorable trots in the country.

Fast Turkey Trots for Chasing a PR

Zoom Turkey Trot, San Jose (CA) One of the West Coast's fastest courses, the flat loop and minimal turns make this race a genuine PR opportunity. The atmosphere is competitive without being intimidating, and many runners treat it as the last serious test before winter training begins.

Gobbler 5K & 10K at Loyd H Roland Memorial Park (PA) A Pennsylvania favorite, this Gobbler offers both 5K and 10K options on forgiving, well-maintained paths. The lower-key setting means you can focus on pacing and splits without the distraction of huge crowds, and it's popular with club runners who want fast times.

Pensacola Beach Turkey Trot (FL) Flat, coastal, and scenic, this Florida trot combines PB potential with ocean views. The course runs alongside the shoreline, and the cool Gulf breezes in late November often create ideal racing conditions.

Family-Friendly Turkey Trots

Turkey Trot Fun Run and Walk (OH) This Ohio event is designed to welcome every ability. With relaxed start times, shorter routes, and plenty of space for walkers, it's as much a community get-together as a race. Children are well catered for, and local groups turn out to make it a lively morning.

ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot, Austin (TX) Austin goes all-in on atmosphere. Live music, fancy dress, and streets filled with families make this a holiday tradition in its own right. Strollers and dogs are welcome, and the mix of serious runners and costumed groups gives it a unique character.

Miss Emily's Kids' Holiday Run Series (TX) Built for children and families, this Texas series includes shorter runs and fun-run waves. Hot cocoa at the finish is part of the tradition, and the whole event is structured around participation rather than performance.

Turkey Trots by State

California Turkey Trots

Inland runners gravitate to the Annual San Bernardino Turkey Trot, while the Davis event has built a reputation as one of the most family-friendly in the state. San Diego's North County Turkey Trot adds a beachside backdrop and strong festive atmosphere.

Texas Turkey Trots

Alongside the Dallas and Austin headliners, smaller events add variety. The Franklin Turkey Trot provides a suburban feel, while Schulenburg's Majek Wine Run trot pairs running with vineyard scenery for something a little different.

Florida Turkey Trots

Melbourne's Wild Turkey Trot offers coastal air and a lively finish, while Boca Raton's Levis JCC trot is one of the state's longest-standing traditions. Both attract large fields and showcase Florida's late-autumn climate.

New York Turkey Trots

Rhinebeck's Ferncliff Forest 5K is a scenic trail option through wooded terrain, while Lake Placid's trot brings a wintery chill and a true Adirondack backdrop.

Pennsylvania Turkey Trots

Bethel Turkey Trot offers a community atmosphere and well-organized course support, while Oil City's trot delivers a traditional small-town feel that has become a local favorite.

How to Plan Your Turkey Trot

A smooth race morning doesn't happen by accident. The little details — where you park, when you collect your bib, how many layers you wear — make the difference between a relaxed start and a frantic rush.

Registration Deadlines Big names like Buffalo and Dallas sell out quickly. If you've set your sights on one of the iconic trots, don't wait until November.

Bib and Packet Pickup Most organizers run pickup the day before and offer a short window on race morning. Bring ID and your confirmation email. Forget either, and you'll end up in the slow line.

Parking and Arrival Downtown courses mean road closures. Plan a parking lot or rideshare drop-off, and aim to be in the start area at least 45 minutes before your corral goes off. That's what catches people out more than anything — leaving parking to the last minute.

Start Corrals If your event uses them, seed yourself honestly. Starting too far forward or back makes the race tougher for everyone.

Weather and Kit Dress for what the thermometer says, not what the calendar tells you.

• 30–40°F: long sleeves, light tights, gloves, hat.

• 40–55°F: shorts and a light layer on top.

• 55°F+: tank top, shorts, cap, sunscreen.

Costumes add fun, but test them first. A great outfit isn't worth ruined shoes.

Family-Friendly Policies Rules differ. Austin and Denver welcome strollers and dogs. Others prefer clear courses. Always check your race page before you pack extras into the car.

Nutrition on Race Morning Keep breakfast simple and light. A banana, bagel, or small coffee an hour before the start usually works. If you're tackling a 10K or half marathon, a small gel 10–15 minutes before the gun can help.

Warm-Up Ideas A five- to ten-minute jog followed by a few strides loosens the legs. If you're running with family or in costume, a brisk walk and some mobility drills may be all you need.

After the Finish Work out a meeting point if you're with a group. Bigger trots can get crowded once medals and refreshments are handed out. Collect your bag early, rehydrate, and get a snack in before heading home to the main event.

Start Your Thanksgiving Tradition

Turkey trots are about more than miles. They blend community, tradition, and a celebratory atmosphere that no other holiday run can match. Whether you're standing on the start line in Buffalo, part of the huge field in Dallas, or jogging in costume with family in your local park, there's a trot waiting for you in 2025.

Ready to find your perfect turkey trot? Find a Race is your go-to destination for discovering turkey trots across the country. As the most comprehensive listing site for endurance events in the US, Find a Race makes it simple to search by location, distance, and date to find exactly what you're looking for. With hundreds of turkey trots listed for 2025, you can compare events, read detailed descriptions, and easily connect to each race's registration page. Start your search today and join the millions of Americans who make turkey trots a cherished Thanksgiving tradition.