Best Turkey Trots in 2025: California, Philadelphia and Beyond

Thanksgiving morning has become synonymous with turkey trots across the country. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just want to get moving before the big meal, here’s your regional guide to the best turkey trots in 2025.

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Organizing a Turkey Trot? Read tips for planning the perfect Turkey Trot 5K run.

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Turkey Trots in California

Five07 Turkey Day Dash – Thousand Oaks, CA

Burn calories before the big meal while supporting three community nonprofits. Expect fun, music, costume contests and lots of local booths and vendors. Proceeds will benefit Hospice of the Conejo, Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks Foundation and Ventura County Council of Boy Scouts. REGISTER

Silicon Valley Turkey Trot – San Jose, CA

One of the nation’s largest Turkey Trot. Options include 5K, 10K, CEO 5K, elite divisions, and costume contests. REGISTER

Dana Point Turkey Trot – Dana Point, CA

The 48th annual event along the harbor. USATF-certified 5Kand 10K, combo runs, and a 1-mile kids run. Includes ocean views. REGISTER

Solano Turkey Trot – Fairfield, CA

Thanksgiving morning 5K, 10K, and kids fun run. Convenient packet pickup makes this race easy for families. REGISTER

Encinitas Turkey Trot – Encinitas, CA

Kick off Thanksgiving with a coastal 10K at 7:30 AM or a 5K at 8:00 AM. Scenic and family-friendly. REGISTER 

O’side Turkey Trot – Oceanside, CA

One of the largest in Southern California. 5-mile and 5K runs plus kids divisions, live entertainment, and medals. REGISTER

Turkey Trots in Philadelphia

Wayne Turkey Trot – Wayne, PA

A Thanksgiving morning tradition in the Main Line. Starts at 8:00 AM with a great community atmosphere. REGISTER

Towamencin Turkey Trot – Towamencin, PA

Get ready for Thanksgiving with a Turkey Trot on November 8th! A point to point race that is great for the entire family. REGISTER

Delco Turkey Trot – Wallingford, PA

5K plus 1-mile “Little Drumstick Run.” Organized by the NPEPTO, this event is family-centered and volunteer-driven. Learn more.

St. Pius X Turkey Trot – Broomall, PA

Hosted by St. Pius X School in Broomall, PA. A great event for the parish, school and community. REGISTER.

MoTown Turkey Trot – Montgomery Township, PA

Support the fire department of Montgomery county.

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Turkey Trots in New Jersey

Green Brook Fire Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

The course is flat and fast, with only a rise of 10 feet. The Finish Line is on the Green Brook Middle School Track. The race is lead by a police car. REGISTER

Princeton Trinity Turkey Trot

Grab your friends & family and venture out for a run or walk to kick start your Thanksgiving morning! REGISTER

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Iconic Turkey Trots

YMCA Buffalo Niagara Turkey Trot – Buffalo, NY

The oldest continuously-run footrace in the U.S. (since 1896). 8K race with ~14,000 participants every Thanksgiving morning.

Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot – Dallas, TX

One of the biggest turkey trots in the country with over 25,000 participants. Offers both an 8-mile run and a 5K walk/run.

Charleston Turkey Trot – Charleston, SC

Low country charm on Thanksgiving morning. Combines a historic backdrop with a flat, scenic course.

Arlington Turkey Trot – Arlington, VA

A staple of the DC metro area. Known for strong community involvement and thousands of participants.

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Final Thoughts

Turkey trots aren’t just about running—they’re about community, tradition, and starting the holiday with movement and gratitude. Whether you’re in California, the Mid-Atlantic, or anywhere in between, you’ll find a trot near you worth joining.