Turkey Trot 101: What to Expect at Your Thanksgiving Race

Thanksgiving is the biggest race day of the year in the United States. More than a million people run a turkey trot every year, and in 2024, RunSignup alone counted over 1.1 million turkey trot registrations across more than 900 races, a record.¹ For a lot of those runners, it's the only race they'll run all year.

I've run about five turkey trots. Three were at the Des Moines Turkey Trot, a big downtown race with thousands of runners, and two were at a small-town race with around 100 people. I've run them with my family, at different paces, and I've run them hard and easy. If you're thinking about signing up for one this year, here's what to expect.

What Is a Turkey Trot?

A turkey trot is a race held on Thanksgiving morning, or on a weekend close to it. Most are 5Ks, but plenty offer other distances. The Des Moines Turkey Trot, for example, has a 5K, a 5-mile course, and a 200-meter Tot Trot for kids 8 and under.

Turkey trots are less about racing and more about tradition. Families run them together, friends make a morning of it, and a lot of people run one just to earn their Thanksgiving dinner. Many races also raise money for charity or collect canned food for local food banks, so check whether yours is asking you to bring a donation.

Big Race or Small Town, the Vibe Is the Same

You might expect a big city turkey trot and a small-town one to feel completely different. In my experience, they're surprisingly similar.

At both, most people are there to have fun. There are a few runners trying to win or set a PR, but the vast majority are just out to get some exercise with their friends and family before the food coma sets in. Both races I've run had music blasting at the start, and the energy is upbeat and relaxed. It's less of a race and more of a party where everyone happens to be running.

The Fun Stuff

The costumes are half the fun. You'll see turkey hats, pilgrim outfits, pies, full-body turkey suits, and plenty of people who clearly put more effort into their outfit than their training. If you've ever wanted to run in something ridiculous, this is your race.

Some races add their own traditions, too. The Des Moines Turkey Trot has had a pumpkin pie eating contest before the race. Yes, before. One year, a kid who'd competed in it threw up during the run, which was gross but honestly kind of funny. Lesson learned: maybe save the pie for after.

My favorite part is running with family. We all run at different paces. My younger son runs it fast with some of his cross country buddies, and the rest of us run together at a pace that is easy for some and pushing it for others. Then we all meet up at the finish. It's a great way to start the holiday together, no matter how fast anyone is.

The Not-So-Fun Stuff

Turkey trots are fun, but they're not perfect. Here's what to know before you sign up.

Don't expect a PR. If you're trying to run your fastest 5K, a turkey trot is the wrong race. It's amateur hour for running, and I mean that with love. The course is packed with walkers, families with strollers, people in costumes, and folks who don't normally run and figured "it's only a 5K." A lot of them go out way too fast and are dying half a mile in, which means you'll be dodging people the whole way, especially on narrow parts of the course. If you want a fast time, our guide to tune-up races covers how to pick a better race for a PR.

There aren't many spectators. Most people who would normally cheer are either running the race or at home cooking. Don't expect a big crowd like you'd get at a marathon.

It's usually cold. Late November is chilly in most of the country, and it can be downright cold in the Midwest. Our guide to running in cold weather covers how to dress so you're not freezing at the start or overheating by mile two.

They can be expensive. This is my biggest gripe. A lot of turkey trots, especially big city races run by large event companies, charge a lot for a 5K. I get that races have expenses, but for a whole family, it adds up fast. For my family of four, this year's Des Moines Turkey Trot is about $200 for the family registration. That's a lot for a 5K. Smaller local races are often much cheaper, and many still have the same fun atmosphere.

Tips for Running a Turkey Trot

Line up in the right spot. If you want to run, start near the front with the faster runners. If you're walking with family or strollers, start toward the back. It makes the whole race better for everyone.

Get there early. Big turkey trots mean big crowds, busy parking, and long porta-potty lines. Give yourself extra time so you're not sprinting to the start line.

Dress in layers. Wear something you can take off as you warm up. Start lines are cold, and you'll warm up faster than you think. If you're wearing a costume, test it on a short run first. A costume that's fine standing around can chafe or flop around after a mile.

Check the rules for strollers and dogs. Some races welcome them, and some don't. Check before race day.

Pick the right distance. If your race offers a longer option, consider it. Our turkey trot has a 5-mile course, and that's what I usually run. That way, I don't feel as bad about the extra scoop of mashed potatoes later. Not that you can outrun a bad diet, but it helps.

Bring a donation. If your race collects canned goods, bring some along. It's an easy way to make the morning count for more.

Is a Turkey Trot a Good First 5K?

It can be, but it's probably not the best choice. The crowds, the weaving, and the chaos at the start can make it harder to find your rhythm, and it's not a great measure of your real fitness. If you want your first 5K to be a race where you can see what you can actually do, pick a smaller, calmer race.

But if you just want to run with your family, wear a funny hat, and start Thanksgiving off on the right foot, a turkey trot is a perfect choice. And if it gets you hooked, you'll have plenty of races to choose from next year. Our guide to how often you should race can help you plan.

Find a Turkey Trot Near You

If you haven't signed up yet, there's still time. You can browse upcoming races by city on our race finder, or search for races near you with our race search. Sign up early, too, since most races raise their prices as Thanksgiving gets closer. The Des Moines Turkey Trot's prices, for example, go up after October 31.

If you want to know what pace you're capable of before race day, plug a recent race into our pace calculator. And if you've got a runner on your holiday shopping list, check out our gifts for runners.

The Bottom Line

Turkey trots are fun. They're not the race for a PR, and they're not cheap, but they're one of the best running traditions out there. Grab your family, throw on a turkey hat, and enjoy a few miles before the feast. Just maybe skip the pie eating contest until after the race.

FAQ

What is a turkey trot? A turkey trot is a race held on or around Thanksgiving. Most are 5Ks, though many also offer longer distances and kids' races. They're known for a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, costumes, and often raising money or food for charity.

How long is a turkey trot? Most turkey trots are 5Ks (3.1 miles), but distances vary. Some offer 5-mile, 10K, or kids' races.

Can you walk a turkey trot? Yes. Turkey trots are one of the most walker-friendly races of the year, and many participants walk the whole way. Just start toward the back so faster runners can get around you.

Is a turkey trot good for a PR? Usually not. Turkey trots are crowded with walkers, families, and casual runners, so you'll spend a lot of time weaving. If you want a fast time, choose a smaller, more competitive race.

How much does a turkey trot cost? It varies a lot. Small-town turkey trots can be inexpensive, while big city races often cost $40 to $60 per person, with prices increasing closer to race day. Family registrations can save money but still add up for larger families.

What should I wear to a turkey trot? Dress in layers you can take off as you warm up, since late November is usually cold. Costumes are welcome at most turkey trots, but test yours on a short run first to make sure it doesn't chafe.

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References

1. RunSignup. 2024 Turkey Trots Break Records (Again). RunSignup Blog, 2024.