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 SoCal you might want to check out.

2 - The RunGuides San Diego Turkey Trot map to help you find Turkey Trots near you.

O'side Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday November 25, 2021
Distance: 5k, 5 mile, kids run
Race size: 7,500

Recognized as one of the Top Trots in the country by Runner’s World Magazine and the Los Angeles Times, the trot attracts visitors from 46 States and 460 cities! The sizzling fast, downhill course offers spectacular views of the ocean, live entertainment, free photos and finisher medals. The event offers a 5 mile and/or 5k run/walk (yes you can combo!) as well as a different kids races and more.  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 25, 2021
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. If you have never walked or run along the Pacific Coast in Encinitas in late November, you are in for the surprise of your life. Start your Thanksgiving Holiday fun with friends and family at the Encinitas Turkey Trot 5k & 10k. It starts and finishes under the World Famous “ENCINITAS” Sign on Coast Highway 101.

> Learn more about the Encinitas Turkey Trot...

Father Joe's Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K

Date: Thursday November 25, 2021
Distance: 5k
Race size: 7,500

This is one of San Diego's largest Turkey Trot events, 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...

Thanksgiving Day Thank You Run

Date: Thursday November 25, 2021
Distances: 5k, 1k kids race
Race size: 1,000

The annual Thank You Run returns to beautiful 4S Ranch (near Poway, CA) this Thanksgiving Day! Join the race that gives back to Helen's Closet, an organization that supports San Diegans suffering from ALS. Start a new tradition or keep this one going strong! Gather your fam to walk or run the chip-timed event together before stuffing yourself with turkey and pie later. All participants receieve an runner shirt, finisher's medal and a complimentary craft beer from Karl Strauss.

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

Coronado 5K Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday November 25, 2021
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: Thursday November 25, 2021
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...

Turkey Trot Team Challenge

Date: November 18 - 25, 2021
Distance: As far as your team can go!

During the Turkey Trot team challenge your team of 1 – 4 people will work together to see how far you can move as a team during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. 

Every 13.1 miles (21.1km) that your team covers earns you entires into a draw to win prizes.

> Learn more about the Turkey Trot Team Challenge

Looking for More Races?

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