The Best Thanksgiving ‘Turkey Trot’ Races

With the first days of fall, it’s not too early to start planning for a Thanksgiving Day road race. The most popular events sell out early. Thanksgiving Day has become the biggest day for road races in the United States, with some 1 million people running a ‘Turkey Trot’.  These races raise millions of dollars for charity as well. 

What Are The Most Interesting and Unique Turkey Trots?

In honor of these wonderful, inspirational events, we’ve cobbled together a list of favorite Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Runs  — the largest, most historic, most scenic, and unique Thanksgiving Day road races in the country. These Turkey Trots are worth traveling to! 

The list below, admittedly subjective, is not in order of best to worst. Instead, we’ve organized them into a few categories. For the full list, including links to course maps, see this on Great Runs. 

The Origins: Oldest and Most Storied Trots

Buffalo YMCA Turkey Trot (Buffalo, NY). Founded in 1896, Buffalo’s YMCA Turkey Trot is the oldest consecutively run footrace in the world. 8k through the Olmsted designed Delaware Park and into downtown Buffalo.

Manchester Road Race (Manchester, CT). Since 1927, this 4.748-mile trot has been New England’s Thanksgiving centerpiece. With crowds lining the streets and costumes adding a festive flair, it’s as much a parade as a race.

Cincinnati Western & Southern Turkey Trot (Cincinnati, OH). Started in 1908, Greater Cincinnati’s turkey day run is the oldest race in the midwest, sixth oldest race in America, behind only the Boston Marathon and a handful of other nearly century-old events.  And… cross the Ohio River — twice!

Berwick “Run for the Diamonds” (Berwick, PA). Also founded in 1908, this nine-mile race is famous for awarding diamond jewelry to top finishers—a quirky, glittering twist on the Thanksgiving run.

New Orleans NOAC Turkey Day Race (New Orleans, LA). Now in its 119th year, this race through oak-lined streets and historic City Park embodies Southern tradition, music, and charm.

Turkey Trots with Tons of Runners

These are some of the Thanksgiving Day races with the most number of runners. 

• Turkey Trot Chicago (Chicago, IL) — The largest in the country, with 44,000 participants filling Grant Park and city streets.
• Run to Feed the Hungry (Sacramento, CA) — A Thanksgiving institution, drawing 30,000+ runners, with proceeds supporting food banks.
• Detroit Turkey Trot (Detroit, MI) — Coinciding with the city’s Thanksgiving Parade, this festive run gathers 21,000 participants, complete with themed races like the Mashed Potato Mile.
• Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot (Dallas, TX) — One of the largest multi-event races in the country, with 8-mile, 5k, and virtual options. Some 20,000 runners!
• Mile High United Way Turkey Trot (Denver, CO) — Roughly 20,000 participants take on a 4-mile course at altitude. And it’s a huge fundraiser for United Way.  
• Austin Turkey Trot. Increasingly popular race is now the largest 5-mile run in Texas.

Which Turkey Trots Feature the Best Scenery?

Dana Point Turkey Trot (CA) — Gorgeous seaside run in Orange County with Pacific Ocean views.

O’side Turkey Trot (Oceanside, CA) — a scenic run along the ocean. 5k and 10k options. Great option for those in the San Diego area.Honolulu Turkey Trot (HI) — One of the longer Turkey Trots. Has been going for 40+ years, and follows the crescent of Diamond Head for beautiful ocean views.

Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam Turkey Trot (NV) — Dramatic desert and mountain views, plus tunnels and glimpses of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam.

Myrtle Beach Rotary Turkey Trot (SC) — Surfside Beach Turkey Trot (1 mile, 5k, and 10k options) is one of the more scenic races, with great ocean views. 

Pensacola Trot for Thought (FL) — A tongue-twister of a name and one of the most scenic Turkey Trots in the USA. The 5k course is mainly along the coast.

Colorado Springs YMCA Turkey Trot (CO) — One of the Turkey Trots with the best views! Get the heart rate up with this high elevation run and a great view of 14,000 foot Pikes Peak.

Sacramento Run to Feed the Hungry (CA) — Not as dramatic, but pretty tree-lined streets with fall colors through East Sacramento.

What Are Some ‘Unique’ Turkey Trots?

This grab bag category includes Thanksgiving Day races that are unique in some way.

• Plymouth Running of the Pilgrims (Plymouth, MA) — Run where it all began! This 5k in Plymouth, MA passes Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower II, and has nice water views.
• Feaster Five (Andover, MA) — New England’s largest trot. Festive, small-town feel. And every finisher gets a pie! 
• Dana Point Turkey Trot (Dana Point, CA) — A seaside course in Orange County, with waves crashing beside runners.
• Honolulu Turkey Trot (Honolulu, HI) — Over 40 years of running along Diamond Head, ocean breezes, and tropical holiday spirit.
• Six Tunnels to Hoover Dam Turkey Trot (Las Vegas, NV) — Half marathon, 12k, 5k, and 1 mile options). One of the most unique and scenic Thanksgiving Day Races. Also can be one of the most challenging. 
• Myrtle Beach Rotary Turkey Trot (Surfside Beach, SC) — Beachfront running with distances for every level.
• O’side Turkey Trot (Oceanside, CA) — Coastal San Diego vibes with oceanfront paths and family-friendly festivities.
• Colorado Springs YMCA Turkey Trot (Colorado Springs, CO) — A challenging high-altitude trot with mountain vistas.
• Berwick “Run for the Diamonds” (Berwick, PA). Also one of the oldest, founded in 1908, this nine-mile race is famous for awarding diamond jewelry to top finishers!