The Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot is a running community tradition!

It's a great hedge against stuffing yourself later in the day, the festive way 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.

Here's our guide to San Diego area Turkey Trots for 2018.

O'side Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday November 22, 2018
Time: 6:55 a.m.
Distance: 5k, 10k
Race size: 7,500

Runner's World calls this one of the country's best Trots. The sizzling fast, downhill course offers spectacular views of the ocean, live entertainment, free photos and finisher medals. The event offers a 10K Harborside Run, 5K Run/Walk, Senior Mile and Youth Miles. Proceeds benefit the Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation and local non-profits.

> Learn more about the O'side Turkey Trot...

Encinitas Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday November 22, 2018
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Distance: 5k, 10k
Race size: 4,500

Hit the alarm, stretch and get out the door! Mornings along the Pacific coast at Encinitas in late November bring an amazing color to the Pacific Ocean. The waves greet Turkey Trot runners with this unique view while they enjoy a 5k or 10k run down the coast.

> Learn more about the Encinitas Turkey Trot...

San Diego South Bay Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday November 22, 2018
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Distance: 5k, 10k, 15k
Race size: 750

Run like a beast before you feast! Take your choice of 3 race distances. The 5k offers a flat, fast course worthy of a PR, while the 10k and hilly 15k offer more challenging terrain. A good time is guaranteed for all on Thanksgiving morning. Bonita is a short drive south of Mission Valley.

> Learn more about the San Diego South Bay Turkey Trot...

Father Joe's Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K

Date: Thursday November 22, 2018
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Distance: 5k
Race size: 7,500

This is San Diego's biggest Turkey Trot, held in Balboa Park. Proceeds from this event will go towards helping Father Joe's Villages prepare and serve close to one million meals to homeless neighbors in need.

> Learn more about the Father Joe's Villages Thanksgiving Day 5k...

San Diego Run For the Hungry

Date: Thursday November 22, 2018
Time: 7:00 a.m.
Distance: 5k, 10k
Race size: 2,000

Come to the Westin Horton Plaza in downtown San Diego for this Thanksgiving morning run through the historic Gaslamp District. This one's for you dog lovers out there, as the pooch of the house is welcome to run too! Proceeds are donated to the San Diego Food Bank and other programs to feed the hungry.

> Learn more about the San Diego Run for the Hungry...

Thanksgiving Day Thank You Run

Date: Thursday November 22, 2018
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Distances: 5k, 1k
Race size: 800

This low-key event takes place at Ranch Community Park in San Diego with a chip-timed 5k run and a 1k fun run for children 8 and under. Everybody gets medals and those 21 and over get a post-race beer.

> Learn more about the Thanksgiving Day Thank You Run...

Coronado 5K Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday November 22, 2018
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Distance: 5k
Race Size: 500

Join the Coronado Unit of the Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary for our 5th Annual 5k Turkey Trot at Tidelands Park. All net proceeds benefit Rady Children's Hospital. We welcome runners, strollers (both kinds) and walkers!

> Learn more about the Coronado 5k Turkey Trot...

Fallbrook Turkey Trot

Date: November 22, 2108
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Distance: 5k
Run Size: 500

Head to the Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens in Fallbrook on Thanksgiving morning for a 5k run. It's all about having family fun and making memories while raising funds for the Fallbrook Land Conservancy, Fallbrook Animal Sancturay and the Fallbrook Communities.

> Learn more about the Fallbrook Turkey Trot...

Looking for More Races?

Already familiar with these races? Go to www.runguides.com/san-diego/runs to view a full list turkey trots and other races happening in and around San Diego during the year.