The Best Turkey Trots to Run This Thanksgiving

Written by

Midwest

Illinois

Lincolnwood Turkey Trot
November 24, 2019 in Lincolnwood, Illinois

What Makes It Special: When you lace up for the 42nd annual Lincolnwood Turkey Trot, don't forget to bring a non-perishable food donation to be entered for the post-race raffle!

Bonfield Express Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in Grove, Illinois

What Makes It Special: A Downers Grove tradition, the Bonfield Express 5K has been held every Thanksgiving morning for the past 15 years. Funds generated from the race provide scholarship assistance to local high school seniors.

Bonfield Express Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in Downers Grove, Illinois

What Makes It Special: This race has it all, from charming streets, a tight-knit community and a vibrant downtown. Plus, community members come out in droves on race morning, lining the course with donut holes and energetic music to keep you going all the way to the finish line. And to top it off, proceeds will help benefit the Bonfield Express Foundation that helps support local schools and students by providing scholarships and other aid to those in need.

The Belleville Thanksgiving 5K Run and Turkey Chase
November 28, 2019 in Belleville, Illinois

What Makes It Special: There's was a new course in 2018 but with the same amount of fun from years' past. Choose from 5K and half-mile distance options through charming downtown Belleville.

Turkey Tango 5K
November 28, 2019 in Rosselle, Illinois

What Makes It Special: This CARA-certified course is used for Run for the Roses 5K, so it makes the perfect test run for later in the season. And with chip timing, great refreshments and a flat, closed course you can't go wrong.

Indiana

Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in Logansport, Indiana

What Makes It Special: A Thanksgiving morning tradition in Logansport, the 23rd annual Turkey Trot features the chance to win a turkey, chip timing and lots of fun for the whole family.

Peru's Thanksgiving Day Trot n' Gobble
November 28, 2019 in Peru, Indiana

What Makes It Special: Proceeds are split three ways to support the Nickel Plate Trail, Relay for Life and North Miami Baseball. All pre-registered runners receive a long-sleeve tee, and the race features chip timing along the picturesque Nickel Plate Trail.

Iowa

Turkey Trot Distance Race
November 23, 2019 in Muscatine, Iowa

What Makes It Special: No online registration gives this race a more personal touch as you get to interact with organizers. With multiple distances available, this race is fun for the whole family. 

Kansas

Walnut Turkey Day Dash
November 28, 2019 in Emporia, Kansas

What Makes It Special: A community tradition on Thanksgiving Day, the course is fast and flat, and costumes are highly encouraged. There's even a trophy up for grabs for the individual and group or family with the best costume.

Kentucky

360 Degree Chiropractic Turkey Trotter 5 Miler/4K Walk
November 16, 2019 in LaGrange, Kentucky

What Makes It Special: The ninth annual race features varied terrain, from woodland trails to pavement across a scenic park setting. Plus, overall male and female winners not only get an award but also a frozen turkey as well!

Turkey Mosh 5K
November 28, 2019 in Erlanger, Kentucky

What Makes It Special: A scenic course, music, family activities and prizes for top male, female and stroller-pusher categories make this a can't-miss race. 

Michigan

Out Side In Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in Grand Haven, Michigan

What Makes It Special: Help provide equine assisted psychotherapy for people in the community suffering from emotional and mental health issues by signing up for Grand Haven's sixth annual Turkey Trot 5K. Horses will be available after the race for pictures.

Minnesota

Fast Before the Feast
November 28, 2019 in White Bear Lake, Minnesota

What Makes It Special: A great race for recreational and competition runners with around 1,700 participants every year. Strollers, walkers and dogs are all welcome and race winners take home turkeys and pumpkin pies. Plus, a portion of the proceeds go toward stocking local area food shelves, and over 35,000 pounds of food have been donated over the years.

Hale to the Bird 5K
November 28, 2019 in Cottage Grove, Minnesota

What Makes It Special: Started in 2010 to help raise funds for the Friends in Need Food Shelf, this year's race is an exciting, family-friendly race that will help you burn some calories before sitting down to your big Thanksgiving meal.

Missouri

Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk Presented by Integrity Home Care and Hospice
November 28, 2019 in Springfield, Missouri

What Makes It Special: This turkey trot is Springfield's largest timed 5K run/walk of the year and the largest Thanksgiving Day 5K in Missouri, attracting more than 7,000 participants a year.

Nebraska

Wild Turkey Chase
November 28, 2019 in Pickrell, Nebraska

What Makes It Special: If you're looking for more of a challenge than the typical Thanksgiving Day 5K (don't worry, that distance is offered too), take on the half marathon course that winds along the Homestead Trail in Pickrell before tucking into your turkey and dressing later in the day.

Ohio

Cleveland Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in Cleveland

What Makes It Special: With medals, T-shirts, goodie bags and a costume contest, you don't want to miss the 36th running of the Cleveland Turkey Trot.

Nakon Foundation Turkey Dash
November 28, 2019 in Avon, Ohio

What Makes It Special: Funds raised from this annual Turkey Dash go directly to women and their families in Northeast Ohio who are impacted by the financial burden of breast cancer treatments. Last year, over $30,000 was raised.

Chagrin Falls Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in Chagrin Falls, Ohio

What Makes It Special: Feeling like a PR day? There is a cash bounty of $250 for any runner who sets a new course record at this Thanksgiving Day race!

South Dakota

Turkey Dash 5K/Walk
November 28, 2019 in Watertown, South Dakota

What Makes It Special: Enjoy hot apple cider and pumpkin pie after crossing the finish line of Watertown's largest event of the year.

Wisconsin

St. Leonard Turkey Trot
November 28, 2019 in Muskego, Wisconsin

What Makes It Special: The flat and fast course is perfect for an easy bout of exercise before sitting down to your hearty Thanksgiving meal. Perks include colored T-shirts, goodie bags, awards for age-group podium finishers and a DJ along the course.

Turkey Trot 5K
November 30, 2019 in Brookfield, Wisconsin

What Makes It Special: Race registration includes a long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt, access to post-race refreshments and eligibility for age group awards for top finishers. Funds raised go toward the Kelly Johnson Foundation, a non-profit that helps provide local high schools in Wisconsin and Illinois with resources for after-school athletic and extracurricular programs and scholarship opportunities.