Thanksgiving has become the largest running event of the year as participants flock (no pun intended) to events across the country. Hedge against stuffing yourself later with a festive way to bridge the gap from morning coffee to football & feasting. There's good cheer, costumes and plenty of competitive spirit for those inclined to run hard from the gun to the finish line and straight to pumpkin pie!

We have two things for you in this article:

1 - Turkey Trots happening around the Bay Area you might want to check out.

2 - The RunGuides San Francisco/Bay Area Turkey Trot map to help you find Turkey Trots near you.

Run to Feed the Hungry

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Distance: 10k, 5k
Run size: 10,000

Run to Feed the Hungry is a 10k Run & 5k run/walk to support Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. The trot starts on J Street just west of the entrance to the Sacramento State campus and runs through the beautiful tree lined streets of East Sacramento. Individuals who give a donation of $50 or moreare eligible to receive a sweet Run to Feed the Hungry turkey hat!

> Learn more about the Run to Feed the Hungry

Solano Turkey Trot

Date: November 23, 2023
Distance: 10k, 5k, Kid's 1mi kids run
Run size: 2,000

This event is held bright and early in beautiful Suisun Valley at the Solano Community College in Fairfield, California. The 10k starts first, with the 5k going off 20 minutes later. Other race-day activities include food & informational booths, awards, and other fun activities for the entire family. There is also a 1-mile fun run for kids.

> Learn more about the Solano Turkey Trot...

San Francisco Turkey Trot

Date: November 23, 2023
Distance: 5 mile, 3 mile, kids 'Gobbler Chase'
Race size: 5,000

Roll out of bed early and get to Golden Gate Park for this 5-mile run. Feeling mellow? Chill with the 3-mile walk instead. Kids can enjoy the Gobbler Chase - a 100-meter sprint against a giant 6-foot, 180-pound Turkey! So easy to beat, but no axes allowed.

> Learn more about the San Francisco Turkey Trot

Napa Valley Turkey Chase

Date: November 23, 2023
Distance: 5k, 10k
Race Size: 1,500

Napa Valley's only Thanksgiving day run is a fun, family oriented event on a flat, fast course! The 10k goes off first, with the 5k start 15 minutes later. Both courses loop around Napa College and nearby Kennedy Park. Strollers can start in the back but no dogs please. Last year the proceeds went to help the victims of the wildfires that burned through Napa and Sonoma.

> Learn more about the Napa Valley Turkey Trot...

Nitro Turkey Thanksgiving Run

Date: November 23, 2023
Distance: 5k, 10k
Race Size: 1,200

Get to Point Pinole Regional Shoreline in the East Bay for a tasty Thanksgiving morning race over 5k or 10k. Both races amble through the park mostly on trails with a few minor hills in the mix. Enjoy stunning bay views! Kids can race the Nitro Turkey for free if they dare! Costumes are encouraged! So is early registration, to secure your spot. Benefitting the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano counties!

> Learn more about the Nitro Turkey Thanksgiving Run...

Piedmont Turkey Trot

Date: November 23, 2023
Distance: 5k
Race size: 500

The town of Piedmont, nestled between Oakland and the East Bay hills, boasts it's own lively Turkey Trot tradition Unleash a pre-emptive strike on those Thanksgiving Day calories and run/walk/stroll the 5K Piedmont Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. It’s an event the whole family will enjoy! And all those finishing the 5K course will have bragging rights at their Thanksgiving table that evening. The Piedmont Turkey Trot is a non-profit organization supporting local charities and organizations.

> Learn more about the Piedmont Turkey Trot...

Silicon Valley Turkey Trot

Date: November 23, 2023
Distance: 5k, 10k, kids run
Race size: Up to 28,000

Start Thanksgiving Day off on the right foot at the Applied Materials “Silicon Valley Turkey Trot”. It’s an event the whole family will enjoy! You’ll also be giving “thanks” by helping Healthier Kids Foundation Santa Clara County, Housing Trust Silicon Valley, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County and The Health Trust. These charities provide families with their most basic needs for “health, hope, and a home.” There are several events to choose from including a 10K run, 5k run, 10k wheelchair race and kids runs. Elite runners, joggers, and walkers will enjoy the downtown San Jose course, which is flat, fast and flows through downtown neighborhoods and business areas.

> Learn more about the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot...

Oakland Turkey Trot

Date: November 23, 2023
Distance: 5k
Race size: 2,000+

This interesting run happens at the time-honored fast & flat Lake Merritt loop 5k course, smack in the center of Oakland. Be prepared to run slowish with 2,000 of your besties and experience an Oakland Thanksgiving Day community fitness event that puts Oakland first. Are you able to run in the 19 minute range? You'll have a shot at the top ten! Participants score a gender specific Oaklandish Shirt and great medals for adults and kids. The A's mascot Stomper comes out to run with the kids too!

> Learn more about the Oakland Turkey Trot...

Spartan Turkey Trot

Date: November 23, 2023
Distance: 5k & 1mi
Race size: 2,000+

Mountain View High School Sports Boosters is proud to present the Annual Spartan Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving! People of all ages are encouraged to participate in the 5k Run & Walk and the Spartan Mile (1-mile). The 60/400 yd dash races are kids only races. All proceeds benefit the MVHS athletics department and supporting teams/clubs.

> Learn more about the Spartan Turkey Trot...

Forma Turkey Trot

Date: November 23, 2023
Distance: 5k, 10k, kids race
Race Size: 5,000

The Forma Gym Turkey Trot is an event the entire family can enjoy. There are several races to choose from including Kids Fun Runs, 10k and 5k runs, and festival areas with costume contest. The run takes place over a mostly flat course in downtown Walnut Creek. The 5k and 10k are chip timed.

> Learn more about the Forma Turkey Trot...

Bank of Marin Turkey Trot

Date: November 23, 2023
Distance: 5k, 10k, kids race
Race Size: 5,000

Allow yourself some guilt-free indulgence this Thanksgiving Day by spending the morning burning off the calories you will replace later with pumpkin pie! The Turkey Trot runs on the roads out and back through the beautiful IVC campus and along Ignacio Blvd and finishes on the IVC fields.

> Learn more about the Bank of Marin Turkey Trot

Looking for more races?

For the complete list of Turkey Trots and other races happening in and around the San Francisco Bay area go to www.runguides.com/san-francisco/runs