How to run a Turkey Trot 2022 — how to find a Turkey Trot near you

How to run a Turkey Trot 2021 — how to find a Turkey Trot near you

(Image credit: Helen H. Richardson / Contributor)

If you're looking for a fun way to outset your Thanksgiving, or but fancy a claiming with family and friends before tucking into your dejeuner, why not sign up for a Turkey Trot? You might have heard of this Thanksgiving tradition, or even run one before, but later on a twelvemonth of cancellations due to Coronavirus restrictions, Turkey Trots are back!

What is a Turkey Trot and how long is it?

A Turkey Trot is a route race that usually takes place on Thanksgiving morning, which is the final Thursday in Nov in the U.Southward. This year, Thanksgiving falls on Nov 25. Well-nigh races will accept different courses available, starting at a fun run of effectually one mile, and going upwardly to a longer race for more than experienced runners looking for a challenge. On boilerplate, Turkey Trots will have a couple of dissimilar races between 3.1 and 8 miles.

The oldest Turkey Trot race is the Buffalo Turkey Trot, which has been put on by the YMCA every year since 1896. The race can be an easy fun run/walk, or a competitive, fast race — it completely depends on your goals.

Upon crossing the Turkey Trot finish line, runners volition receive a medal, which we encourage you to wear with pride for the rest of the day. Some races also give out Turkey-themed prizes, such as a Turkey T-shirt, or even a frozen Turkey for winners. Talking of turkey, hither's what happens to your torso if you lot eat 1,000 extra calories a mean solar day.

How to find a Turkey Trot about you

You can notice more than 250 registered Turkey Trots on Agile.com, where yous can search by location to find the races closest to your abode. Turkey Trots will usually have a registration fee for runners, just virtually all of them are run for charity, so rest assured the coin goes to a good cause.

a photo of a child wearing a turkey hat watching a turkey trot — (Image credit: Helen H. Richardson / Contributor)

Do you need to dress upwards?

No, you absolutely don't have to dress up, but running in a costume is encouraged, whether that be a full turkey adjust or just a turkey hat. Turkey Trots often have prizes for the best costume, and then become planning now. The well-nigh important thing is that you're wearing a pair of supportive running shoes that fit your feet, if you lot need to upgrade your shoes, take a look at the best running shoes to buy right now. We've also hand-picked the best running shoes for women, and the best trail running shoes if your race is on mixed terrain. If y'all're really trying to push yourself, nosotros've found the best carbon fiber running shoes to help you PR this year's Turkey Trot.

Tin kids take function?

Yes. One of the joys of Turkey Trot is that, unlike almost other running races, it'southward bachelor to all ages and that you can run with the whole family unit. Of course, if y'all are running with immature kids, information technology's probably worth signing upwardly for a shorter distance or a fun run. Fifty-fifty a 5K is a lot for footling legs!

Do I need to train for a Turkey Trot?

This totally depends on the distance you programme on running. If you're heading to the fun run or the 5K, you should be able to run-walk your way around the race (read our how to run a 5K guide hither). If y'all're going for a longer distance, such as a half-marathon, you'll probably want to have done some proper preparation beforehand. Read our guide on how to railroad train for a half marathon here.

If the Turkey Trot inspires you to run longer races, then be sure to check out our Black Fri Garmin scout deals and Black Friday treadmill deals for discounts on the best training gear.

Should I eat earlier my Turkey Trot? Practise I need gels?

Again, this one totally depends on the distance yous programme on running. Almost Turkey Trots will be first thing in the morning, so if yous do plan on eating, you'd probably want to opt for a light snack or breakfast a few hours before you lot hitting the start line. Yous shouldn't need to bear extra fuel, similar running gels, unless you are running a longer distance where you'll need to continue running for over an hour. Most races will offering h2o and snacks either before, during, or later on the race.

If you're planning to run a Turkey Trot and and so prepare a Thanksgiving banquet after, be certain to check out our guides on how to season a turkey, the all-time turkey fryers, and the best Thanksgiving air fryer recipes.

Jane McGuire is Tom's Guide's Fitness editor, which means she looks after everything fettle related - from running gear to yoga mats. An avid runner, Jane has tested and reviewed fitness products for the past four years, so knows what to look for when finding a good running watch or a pair of shorts with pockets big enough for your smartphone. When she's not pounding the pavements, you lot'll find Jane striding round the Surrey Hills, taking far too many photos of her puppy.