Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends, enjoy a delicious meal, and express gratitude for the blessings in life. But before you dig into that turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, why not start your day with some physical activity and fun? That’s what thousands of Americans do every year by participating in a turkey trot, a running or walking event that usually takes place on or near Thanksgiving Day.
A turkey trot is not only a great way to burn some calories and boost your mood, but also a chance to support a local charity or cause, as many turkey trots donate their proceeds or collect donations for various organizations. Whether you are a seasoned runner or a beginner, a turkey trot is a welcoming and festive event that anyone can join. You can even dress up in a turkey costume or wear a funny hat to add some flair to your race.
If you are interested in joining a turkey trot this year, you might be wondering where to find one near you. Well, you are in luck, because there are hundreds of turkey trots happening across the country on November 23, 2023. To help you choose the best one for you, we have compiled a list of some of the most popular and exciting turkey trot races in 2023, based on the web search results from Bing¹.
- Abilene Turkey Trot: This turkey trot is hosted by the Abilene Runner’s Club and benefits the West Texas Rehab Center, a non-profit organization that provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy to children and adults. The race offers a 5K and a 1-mile fun run, and features live music, food trucks, and a kids’ zone. The race starts and ends at the Abilene Convention Center, and the course is flat and fast.
- Springfield Turkey Trot: This turkey trot is presented by Brad Bradshaw MD JD LC and supports the Developmental Center of the Ozarks, a non-profit agency that serves individuals with developmental disabilities. The race features a 5K run/walk and a kids’ run, and awards prizes for the top finishers and the best costumes. The race starts and ends at the Springfield Expo Center, and the course is scenic and hilly.
- Ridgefield Turkey Trot: This turkey trot is presented by Opsahl Dawson & the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and benefits the Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports educational programs and initiatives in the Ridgefield School District. The race offers a 5K and a 10K run/walk, and includes a post-race party with music, food, and drinks. The race starts and ends at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, and the course is mostly flat and paved.
- Green Professional Association Turkey Trot: This turkey trot is hosted by Ritchies Racing and benefits the Green Professional Association, a non-profit organization that promotes environmental awareness and sustainability in the Green community. The race features a 5K and a 10K run/walk, and awards medals to the top finishers and age group winners. The race starts and ends at the Green High School Stadium, and the course is rolling and scenic.
- Out Side In Turkey Trot: This turkey trot is hosted by Out Side In, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides equine-assisted therapy and learning to children and adults with mental health and behavioral challenges. The race offers a 5K and a 1-mile fun run, and includes a raffle, a silent auction, and a petting zoo. The race starts and ends at the Out Side In Stables, and the course is a mix of trails and roads.
These are just some of the many turkey trots that you can choose from this year. You can find more options by searching online or asking your local running club or community center. No matter which turkey trot you join, you will have a great time and a great cause to support. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your running shoes and your turkey hat, and get ready to trot! Happy Thanksgiving!