The Thanksgiving weekend Turkey Trot is a running community tradition! 

It's a great way to start off this wonderful holiday and feel just fine about going back for seconds at the dinner table. Enjoy some fresh air while you take on a physical challenge and connect with the community at these running events. You will have an extra bounce in your step when you return home and spend quality time with friends and family watching football and feasting on delicious turkey, stuffing, cranberries and more. 

We have two things for you in this article

1 - A list of Turkey Trots happening around the Atlanta area you might want to check out.

2 - The RunGuides Atlanta Turkey Trot map to help you find Turkey Trots near you

Turkey Trails

Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023
Distance: 1mi, 5k, and 10k

The annual Turkey Trails race is a Thanksgiving-themed run that is perfect for the whole family. The fun includes great swag (designer shirt, custom medal), chip-timing, live results, awards, and plenty of fun activities. This run is part of the local Bodies Race Series. BRC events are known for their family friendly atmosphere and swag. They encourage runners of all fitness levels to try out their events.

> Learn more about the Turkey Trails race

Five Star Early Bird Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Date: Saturday, November 18, 2023
Distance: 5k, 10k, 15k, and Half Marathon

Two weeks before Thanksgiving in 2011, Early Bird Turkey Trot's organizers, Five Star NTP, decided that they wanted to give back to all the participants who came out to race with them over the course of the year. Thanksgiving morning  seemed to be the perfect time, and giving the participants a FREE race would be the  perfect way to say "Thanks!" They're continuing that tradition to this day...

Participants should note the specific dates in order to qualify for a complimentary race entry! If you haven't crossed under Five Star NTP's finish line this year...that's OK too...You can still come out and join them for a low entry fee.

> Learn more about the Five Star Early Bird Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Five Star Get Basted Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Date: Sunday, November 19, 2023
Distance: 5k, 10k, 15k, and Half Marathon

Gobble Gobble...It's Turkey Trot time & Five Star NTP would love for you to run with them! This will be the "2nd helpings" of their Turkey Trots! Please note the specific dates in order to qualify for a complimentary race entry! If you haven't crossed under their finish line this year... that's OK too... You can still come out and join them with just a low entry fee.

> Learn more about the Five Star Get Basted Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Tryptophan Half Marathon

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Distance: Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k

Tryptophan Half Marathon has become a North Georgia tradition to begin your Thanksgiving Day festivities. Before digging into their Thanksgiving feast, runners will work up their appetite participating in one of the three distances: Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K. All proceeds from this event benefit a chosen charity for the year.

> Learn More about the Tryptophan Half Marathon

Five Star Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Distance: Half Marathon, 15k, 10k and 5k

This exciting Thanksgiving Day race is fun for the whole family. A flat 5K loop allows runners to run with friends and family for as many laps as they signed up for. Four loops add up to the Half marathon for those seeking the longest distance. There is plenty of entertainment along the way, so runners don't have to worry about getting bored.

> Learn more about the Five Star Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

Blue Ridge Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Distance: 5k

You will need to head up north for this race. The Blue Ridge Turkey Trot takes place in Downtown Blue Ridge on Thanksgiving Day. This race is for the whole family and all abilities, from walkers to the serious competitor are welcome. Since it is only 5k you will have plenty of time to be home to put the turkey in the oven!

> Learn more about the Blue Ridge Turkey Trot

Turkey Trot of McDonough

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Distance: 1mi, 5k, 10k

After pressing pause due to the lingering effects of COVID, we are excited to announce that Turkey Trot McDonough is back! This growing family tradition has become South Atlanta's largest Thanksgiving Day Race. Join runners from California, Florida, and other states for a time that nicely blends the elements of fun and challenge. Enjoy the pre-race celebration and dance to your favorite tunes as you warm up your heart.

> Learn more about the Turkey Trot of McDonough

Looking for More Races?

For the complete list of Turkey Trots and other races happening in and around Atlanta go to www.runguides.com/atlanta/runs