Turkey Trot Thanksgiving race
Credit: Shutterstock

Look, we adore alliteration as much as anyone, and apparently so do the organizers of more than a half-dozen local “turkey trots”: Thanksgiving-themed races occurring in the days leading up to and on Thanksgiving Day itself. We’re not going to make any tired “need to earn your pumpkin pie!” or “gotta burn off that Thanksgiving dinner!” remarks. Listen, if you like to run, go for it. If you’re less sure about your actual fondness for the activity, but are looking for a fun way to get active this fall, we’ve got an array of ideas for you to push yourself or simply try something new.

Pre-Thanksgiving:

Saturday, Nov. 21
The Oak Turkey Trot 
Choose between a 5K and a 1.25-mile fun run at this pre-Thanksgiving race in Apopka’s Northwest Recreation Complex. 7 am, Northwest Recreation Complex, 3710 Jason Dwelley Parkway, Apopka, $25-$35.

Saturday, Nov. 21 
Hunters Creek Turkey Trot 
A family- and walker-friendly 5K along a scenic, paved trail beside the Shingle Creek Conservation Area. 8:30 am, Osprey Park, 5100 Town Center Blvd., $30-$40.

Sunday, Nov. 22 
Dream Finders Homes Great Turkey Trot 5K 
This family-friendly event features a 5K, kids race, free Foxtail coffee and Kelly’s ice cream, and photo ops. The 5K winner takes home a world-famous Southern Hill Farms apple cider donut. 8 am, Southern Hill Farms, 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont, $15-$40. Kids race at 9:15 am.

Thanksgiving Day races:

If you’re feeling ambitious, here are a few ways to work up an appetite before the big meal.

Thursday, Nov. 26 
Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K 
Now in its 37th year, this 5K benefits Meals on Wheels and includes a tot trot for little ones. Arrive early for the 7 am costume contest; the main race starts at 8 am. Lake Eola Park, 227 N. Eola Drive, $35-$50. Tot trot at 9:15 am.

Thursday, Nov. 26 
Avalon Park Turkey Trot 
A casual, kid-friendly 5K with a sliding-scale registration fee based on whether you’re old enough to vote. Avalon Park Town Park, 3651 Avalon Park East Blvd., $10-$30.

Thursday, Nov. 26 
Nona Fear Rise & Trot 5K 
Run or walk this family-friendly 5K at Lake Nona Performance Club, with music, community vendors, medals and an event shirt. Lake Nona Performance Club, 6775 Chopra Terrace, $40.

Thursday, Nov. 26 
GRO Turkey Trot 5K 
This charitable 5K at Blue Jacket Park also offers a bootcamp option. Proceeds benefit a Thanksgiving food drive for low-income families and trade school scholarships. PGA golfer Kamaiu “Mymy” Johnson is this year’s featured guest. Blue Jacket Park, 2501 General Rees Ave., $35-$50.

Thursday, Nov. 26 
The Ritz-Carlton Gobbler 5K & Master Yoga Class 
This kid-friendly 5K winds through the Ritz-Carlton’s Greg Norman-designed golf course, followed by a restorative yoga class focused on stretching, breathing and recovery. 7:30 am, Ritz-Carlton Orlando, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, $50-$75.

Thursday, Nov. 26 
Annual Turkey Day 5K 
Sanford’s 17th annual Turkey Day 5K benefits The Sharing Center and follows a paved route along Lake Monroe. Free coffee, hot chocolate and donuts will be on hand, and costumes are encouraged. 8 am, Fort Mellon Park, 600 E. First St., Sanford, $35-$50.

Thursday, Nov. 26 
AdventHealth Groveland Turkey Trot 
Make the drive to Groveland for 5K and 10K races open to runners and walkers. Participants receive event shirts and can donate nonperishable food to the FAITH Neighborhood Center. Awards go to the speedy ones. 7:15 am, Cherry Lake Park, 131 Wilson Lake Parkway, Groveland, $50-$65.

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This article appears in Nov. 11-17, 2026.

General news reporter for Orlando Weekly, with a focus on state and local government and workers' rights. You can find her bylines in Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, In These Times, and Facing South.