Ah, Thanksgiving. This quintessential American feast celebrated annually in November typically consists of a copious amount of calories – a quantity more than what one should usually ingest in a day. Regardless, we indulge in this tradition year after year, albeit hopefully not on a daily basis!
Considering the enormous meal we partake in, it only seems sensible to balance it out with some physical activity on the same day. Hence, the ingenious concept of the Turkey Trot was born. The Turkey Trot typically takes the form of a jovial 5K/10K run, held on the morning of Thanksgiving, allowing you to kickstart your metabolism before the carbohydrate onslaught begins.
Several Turkey Trots offer family-friendly options with a shorter race for children, often whimsically named things like Gobble Wobble. This makes it a family-oriented event where strollers, baby carriers, and leisurely walkers are all welcome.
Adding an altruistic touch to the Thanksgiving morning exercise, many Los Angeles-based Turkey Trots incorporate a charitable aspect. A portion of the registration fees goes towards donations, or there might be a food collection station on-site.
Thanks to the generally splendid Thanksgiving weather in SoCal, it’s a fantastic opportunity to bask in the outdoors. Here are some of the engaging, family-friendly Turkey Trots held in Los Angeles that you might consider participating in.
15+ Enjoyable Turkey Trots in Los Angeles and SoCal
Turkey Trot Los Angeles
Commences and concludes at City Hall
- Address: 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
The yearly Turkey Trot Los Angeles stands by an excellent motto: “Trot before you gobble and support a noble cause.” The event aids The Midnight Mission, an organization committed to assisting those grappling with homelessness. It provides a choice of 5K and 10K races as well as a “Widdle Wobble” for children aged 12 and under. The races are scheduled to start at different times on Thanksgiving morning. Comprehensive details and registration information can be found online.
Annual Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot
Begins and finishes at Palisades Charter High School
- Address: 15777 Bowdoin St., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Families are welcomed to take part in the 9th Annual Palisades Funding Turkey Trot, slated for Thanksgiving morning at 8:00 am. Participants can choose to compete in either the 5K or 10K race. Each participant will receive a medal upon completion. This event supports the Hearts with Hope charity, “a program that delivers medical, dental, and administrative care to children worldwide living with congenital heart disease.” Registration details can be obtained online.
Burbank YMCA Turkey Trot
- Address: 321 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502
The recurring Burbank YMCA Thanksgiving Run is crafted to cater to recreational joggers, seasoned athletes, and everyone in between. Kickstarting the event early with warm-ups at 7:00 am ensures a timely finish, leaving plenty of daylight for finalizing your Thanksgiving feast arrangements. “A segment of this year’s revenue aids the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, a scheme dedicated to making Y programs and services accessible for all, irrespective of financial status.” A separate race for children is also on the itinerary. Comprehensive details and registration instructions can be found on our website.
Drumstick Dash 2022
NoHo Arts District
- Address: Race Commences at 11275 Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood, CA
Dubbed as “LA’s premier Thanksgiving 5K/10K run,” the Drumstick Dash is set to take place on Thanksgiving morning. “Stride for the cause, so others can dine!” Apart from the race, festivities include giveaways, a fancy dress competition, and a special race for the Lil’ Gobblers. Every penny earned “will boost Hope of the Valley in offering over half a million warm meals to the homeless of all ages.” All related details and registration processes are accessible online.
Annual Harry Sutter Memorial Turkey Trot Fun Run
Sam’s Club Parking Lot
- Address: 2601 Skypark Dr., Torrance, CA
The Torrance City Community Services Department is proud to present the 42nd iteration of the Annual Harry Sutter Memorial Turkey Trot Fun Run on Thanksgiving morning at 8:00 am. This three-mile endeavor promises to be a riveting experience. All entrants will receive a commemorative shirt, and a raffle draw for exciting prizes will follow the fun run. Remember to bring canned food items to contribute to our drive for distributing to those in need throughout South Bay.
29th Annual Thanksgiving Day Run and Food Drive
- Address: Memorial Park 1301 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
The Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge’s (CCLCF) Annual Thanksgiving Day Run and Food Drive has become an eagerly anticipated tradition for numerous families. Offering a 5K route along with a Kid’s Mile (for children aged 12 or below), it is an event for everyone. Participants are also encouraged to bring along canned and non-perishable food items for donation. Information regarding registration can be accessed online.
45th Dana Point Annual Turkey Trot
- Address: Celebration Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, CA 92629
The Dana Point Annual Turkey Trot is an enjoyable slogan, “Run before you indulge,” invites you to take part in our race. Various modes of participation include walking, jogging, or running a 5K, 10K, or 15K Combo. A special one-mile Gobble Wobble is set aside for children aged 2-12. All entrants receive a shirt in advance of the race and a medal upon finishing. Unable to attend? No worries, we also offer a Virtual Participant option.
Turkey Trot of Long Beach
- Address: Start and end at Granada Boat Launch, Long Beach, CA
The Turkey Trot in Long Beach commences on Thanksgiving morning, with two wave starts at 7:30 am and 9:00 am. Participants have the option of completing a 5K or 10K. A Kids 1/2-mile Wingding is also available. We encourage all participants to bring canned goods as donations for the AIDS Food Store.
Ventura Turkey Trot
- Address: 6300 King Dr., Ventura, CA
Celebrate Thanksgiving Day with a healthy twist at the Ventura Turkey Trot. A family-friendly event, we offer a 5K Run/Walk as well as a Kids 1K (for children 14 and under). The course is flat and quick, an ideal way to break a sweat before sitting down to a hearty Thanksgiving feast. We encourage participants to bring non-perishable food items for the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Food Drive.
Anaheim Turkey Trot 5K/10K and Fun Run
- Address: Event 2610 E. Patella Ave., Anaheim CA 92806
The Anaheim Turkey Trot offers diverse routes, including a 5K, 1-mile Fun Run, a 10K, and a combo race — ensuring that every family member can join in. The event is set for Saturday, November 19th, with all finishers being awarded a medal. This flat, swift course is a perfect way to work up an appetite. Registrations can be made online.
Thanksgiving Day 5K – The Simi Valley
Run Rancho Simi Community Park
- Address: 1765 Royal Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065
Join the Thanksgiving Day 5K – Simi Valley, set to commence on Thanksgiving morning at 8:00 am. The largely flat route follows the scenic Arroyo Creek bike path. Participants will receive a finisher’s medal and shirt. Online registration details are available.
Seal Beach Turkey Trot
- Address: Start and End on Main St., Seal Beach, CA
The Seal Beach Turkey Trot is slated for the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving, November 19th. Options include a 5K and 10K Run/Walk, a 5K Gym Challenge, and a 1K Kids “Don’t Be a Turkey” Trot (for children 10 and under). The event is partnered with two charities, Grateful Hearts and Project SEEK. The aim is to donate over 300 holiday meals for families in need and to raise funds for local schools.
9th Annual Turkey Trot OC 5K Run/Walk
- Address: 1 Hope Dr., Tustin, CA 92782
Join us Thanksgiving morning at 8 am for the 9th Annual Turkey Trot OC 5K Run/Walk. Participants receive a custom finisher medal and t-shirt. Take pride in knowing your efforts will directly support many in need. This Turkey Trot aims to raise funds sufficient for the Orange County Rescue Mission to provide 30,000 meals. Detailed information and online registration are available.
Turkey Trot 5K, 10K, 15 K, Half Marathon
Crescent Bay Park
- Address: 2000 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA
Join us in Santa Monica on Thanksgiving morning for the Turkey Trot. The easy course consists of multiple loops along the beach path. All finishers receive a medal. This Turkey Trot prides itself on being a small, informal event, where personal satisfaction trumps competitive racing. Online registration details are available.
Turkey Trot/Fun Run
Central Park
- Address: 11200 Base Line Road, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701
If you’re in or around Rancho Cucamonga, consider joining the 3rd Annual Fun Run on Thanksgiving morning. Instead of a regular registration fee, we ask participants to contribute gift cards of $25 or more, which will then be gifted to a local charity to brighten a child’s Christmas. Further details will be available on the website.
2022 OC Turkey Trot
Event Irvine Valley College
- Address: 5500 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
Prepare for the 2022 OC Turkey Trot. Families can opt for the 1-mile, 5K, or a combo race. The Kids Gobble Wobble features shorter distances and is divided into age groups (the Diaper Dash for 3 and under, Tot Trot for 4-5 year olds, and Youth Races for 6-10- and 11–12-year-olds). Whether you choose to run fast, jog, trot, walk, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, this flat scenic course is perfect. Upon finishing, participants are awarded medals and a slice of fresh pumpkin pie!
Hello, and welcome to my travel website! My name is Jennifer E. Sheahan, and I’m a passionate travel enthusiast who loves to explore new places and experience different cultures. I believe that travel is not just a way to escape from the daily grind, but also a way to learn and grow as a person.