Whether you want to justify your second serving of food later on in the day, or you’re just one of those people who like to run every morning, taking part in one of the Turkey Trots in the D.C. area this Thanksgiving may be a fun way to start the day while also supporting a good cause!
While there are certainly no shortages of causes that need your support, you can take your pick from our list of Turkey Trots in the Washington, D.C. area and sign up to support a cause you care about this Thanksgiving.
America’s Trot for Hunger
Starting near Freedom Plaza on Thanksgiving morning, you can choose to run a timed or untimed 5k route or the “Little Turkey” one-mile route for those who want to take it easy.
Registering for the 5k includes a $65 fee, which covers snacks & drinks post-race, and a finisher medal, but of course, a majority is going directly to the SOME (So Others Might Eat) charity.
Race day schedule:
- Race morning check-in begins at 6:30 a.m.
- Little Turkey One Miler begins at 7:30 a.m.
- 5K waves begin at 8:15 a.m.
- ‘Best Dressed Turkey’ Competition begins at 9:30 a.m.
- Family-friendly festival, music, activities, live entertainment & more: concludes at 10:30 a.m.
Arlington Turkey Trot
The Arlington Turkey Trot is commencing its 20th annual 5k race this year, starting near Lyon Park in Arlington, and will take you past Christ Church and through Ashton Heights.
The registration fees are $50 per adult and $25 per child (6-17), but included in the registration is an official race tee and, of course, a timing bib for runners to wear during the race.
It’s worth noting that the deadline to sign up for this race is November 23rd, after which no additional registrations will be accepted.
The funds generated by the race are then distributed to a range of local charities, ranging from after-school support programs to soup kitchen projects that feed the community.
Race day schedule:
- Race starts at 8 am sharp
Turkey Chase Charity Race
Bethesda’s 43rd annual Turkey Chase consists of two distance options for registrants to opt for, the first of which is a 10k run (for those more experienced runners) and the second is a two-mile course with a more casual pace.
Registration fees for the 10k are $60, and the two-mile is around $50, both of which include an official bib to wear for the race and a commemorative t-shirt.
Race day schedule:
- 6:30 AM: Packet Pickup opens
- 8:30 AM: 10K Run starts
- 8:45 AM: Packet Pickup closes
- 9:00 AM: Two Mile Walk/Run starts
- 10:00 AM: 10K Awards
Alexandria Turkey Trot
This will be the 50th annual Alexandria Turkey Trot, a slightly more competitive format than some of the other trots on this list, consisting of a five-mile course and cash prizes:
- 1st M&F: $600
- 2nd M&F: $500
- 3rd M&F: $400
- 1st Masters M&F: $100
- Stroller Champ: $100 (net time)
- Doggy Champ: $100 (net time)
This Turkey Trot doubles as a can drive, so participants are encouraged to bring at least two non-perishable food items on race day. Registration should be done in advance and online for a lower price, with prices as follows:
- Ages 22+ – $25
- Ages 13-21 – $20
- Ages 12 and under – $10
Race day schedule:
- Raceday Packet Pickup: 7:30 am – 8:45 am
- Race Start: 9:00 am
- Racecourse Closes: 10:30 am
- Award Ceremony: 10:30 am – 11:30 am