It’s a tale as old as (approximately) 1896.
Every Thanksgiving morning, children and adults across the country flock to their local Turkey Trots to run a few miles before the day’s food-related festivities get underway. The most common races are 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) on pavement; the fastest runners can finish the distance in 15 – 16 minutes and the majority of runners and walkers are across the finish line in under one hour. In the spirit of the holiday, the events usually raise money for charities or nonprofits.
Please note that while actual turkeys can run up to 25 miles an hour without preparation, DCist recommends taking a few precautions before you hit the pavement: hydrate, dress warmly, and stretch afterwards. Also, while turkey costumes are highly encouraged, please avoid dressing up as Native Americans.
Below are six Turkey Trots in D.C. area to consider:
D.C.: Trot for Hunger
If you’re near downtown, invite your friends and family to the heart of the city with the 17th annual Trot for Hunger. The out-and-back 5K course starts in Freedom Plaza, goes down Pennsylvania Avenue, and turns around Independence Avenue.
Do you have a child in your life that doesn’t like to be left out? The event also includes a “Little Turkey One Mile Fun Run” that kicks off 30 minutes before the main race.
The event benefits So Others Might Eat, an organization that supports more than 10,000 residents in the DC region through meals, clothing, and health care. The race is also handicap accessible and the nearest metro stops are Federal Triangle and Metro Center.
1 Mile-5K // $15-$50 // Learn more here.
Alexandria, Va.: Alexandria Turkey Trot
Flat. Fast. Five miles.
Start your Thanksgiving morning at George Washington Middle School with DC Road Runners and Del Ray for the annual Alexandria Turkey Trot 5 Miler. The near-zero-elevation course promises fast times on (for competitors who care) a USA Track & Field-certified course. You can follow the full course map here.
The race is slightly longer and at a slightly lower cost compared to other races in the region. Participants are also encouraged to bring two nonperishable food items to support Alexandria’s local ALIVE! Inc non-profit.
Prizes will include $2,000 split among the top three men, the top three women, and the winners of the masters division.
5 Miles // $5-$25 // Learn more here.
Arlington, Va.: Arlington Turkey Trot
Join more than 4,000 runners and The Christ Church of Arlington for the 13th annual Turkey Trot. The race starts at 8 a.m. and benefits charities around Arlington.
Unlike other races, which offer same-day signups, registration for the Arlington Turkey Trot ends Monday, November 19th.
Don’t feel like running, but also battle a serious amount of FOMO? Sign up to volunteer by emailing arlingtonturkeytrot@gmail.com.
5K // $0-$45 // Learn more here.
Bethesda, Md.: Turkey Chase Charity Run
You’ve got options.
Bethesda’s Turkey Chase offers distances from 1K (.6 mile) to 10K (6.2 miles) and—if you’re lucky enough to be 8 years old or younger—a 50-meter dash. The times are staggered, with the longest race starting at 8:30 a.m.
Please note that rollerblades, pets, and strollers are not allowed in the 10K run, but strollers are allowed on the 2 mile course.
Proceeds from the event go to YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase’s Youth and Family Services, which helps to cover some of the costs of Y services.
You can sign up to volunteer at the event here.
10K, 2 Mile, 1K, 50 Meters // $10-$46 // Learn more here.
Fairfax, Va.: Fairfax Turkey Trot
Fairfax residents are lucky enough to have more than one trot to choose from.
In this race, runners start/end at Mantua Swimming Pool in Fairfax to run a four-mile loop course in Virginia. Good dogs and strollers are welcome along the race and all runners are guaranteed a shirt.
The actual event is run entirely by volunteers and benefits Britepaths, an organization that helps local Fairfax families through seasonal support and financial literacy and mentoring programs.
Best part: Runners under the age of seven race for free.
4 Miles // $0-$35 // Learn more here.
Fairfax, Va.: Fairfax Turkey Trot
Fairfax residents who don’t want to run four miles also have a 5K (3.1 mile) option on Thanksgiving morning. Pacers Running is hosting their annual Fairfax Turkey Trot to benefit the Fairfax Fire Department.
The 5K course starts in Old Town at 9 a.m. and takes a loop around Patriot Circle before heading straight back.
Like with most Pacers events, participants can expect hype, supportive staff, and a festive atmosphere. The best part? Winners (overall + age categories) are presented with pie during the awards ceremony.
5K // $30-$40 // Learn more here.
