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.

Escondido SOLO Half-Marathon, 10K & 5K Turkey Trot

Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024
Distance: Half, 10k, and 5k
Race size: 1,000

Introducing a new SOLO half-marathon division, with a finisher medal for participants who complete 5 laps of a 2.62-mile trail. This race also offers a 5K/10K Turkey Trot Run for adults and youth, with chip-timed live online results and awards for all events.

> Learn more about the Escondido SOLO Half-Marathon, 10K & 5K Turkey Trot

Anaheim Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Run

Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024
Distance: 5k, 10k, and 1mi
Race size: 1,000

Run Anaheim Turkey Trot 5K at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. This is a family friendly event that has something for everyone. Choose your own course tactics: Run fast, jog, trot, walk, or enjoy a nice stroll on this flat scenic course. You're welcome to come dressed in a theme or in running attire. This will be a picture perfect way to start celebrating Thanksgiving Day!

> Learn more about the Anaheim Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Run

O'side Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
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 28, 2024
Distance: 5k, 10k
Race size: 4,500

If you have never walked or run along the Pacific Coast in Encinitas during November, then you’re in for the surprise of your life! The early morning offers a beautiful color in the Pacific Ocean and the waves always seem to have a special look to them during this time of year. That’s why you should start your Thanksgiving holiday fun with friends and/or family at the Encinitas Turkey Trot 5k & 10k where we start and finish the race 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 28, 2024
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

Turkey Trot OC 5K

Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Distance: 5k
Run Size: 500

Continue your family tradition, or take advantage of our flat and fast course to improve your 5K time, all in-person! Join in the fun of the annual Turkey Trot OC 5K on Thanksgiving in Tustin, CA. This event includes finisher medals, timed medals for all age groups, and an event T-shirt. The event aims to raise funds to provide 30,000 meals for the hungry and homeless of Orange County. Your participation will continue the work of ending homelessness, one life at a time.

> Learn more about the Turkey Trot OC 5K

Dana Point Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Distance: 5k, 10k, 15k, and 1mi
Run Size: 7,500

Burn off your pre-Thanksgiving meal calories with a run/walk of a 5K, 10K, 15K Combo, or Kids 1-Mile Gobble Wobble in the beautiful Dana Point Harbor! Registration includes a Commemorative T-Shirt, Finisher Medal, Race Bib with Timed Results (Kids Gobble Wobble not timed), and Virtual Goody Bag.

> Learn more about the Dana Point Turkey Trot

Orange County Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Distance: 5k and 1mi
Run Size: 1,000 - 5,000

Two New Race Choices!  Choose the best race for you and earn a custom finishers medal and slice of fresh pumpkin pie!

Run fast, jog, trot, walk, or enjoy a nice stroll on this flat scenic course. A scrumptious SLICE OF PIE awaits you at the finish. Along with So Cal's best custom cast finisher medal, you get an awesome shirt and CHIP TIMED. Get your friends and family together and kick off the holidays together!

> Learn more about the Orange County Turkey Trot

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.