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.

Anaheim Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Run

Date: November 19, 2023
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 23, 2023
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 23, 2023
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 23, 2023
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...

Fallbrook Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
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 OC 5K

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
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 23, 2023
Distance: 5k, 10k, and 1mi
Run Size: 7,500

The Dana Point Turkey Trot has been a beloved Orange County tradition. Choose and enjoy a 10K, Combo 15K, and Kids 1-Mile Gobble Wobble, and two-day Health & Fitness Expo. The Dana Point Turkey Trot is the sixth largest turkey trot in the nation and is a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned and certified event.

> Learn more about the Dana Point Turkey Trot

Orange County Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Distance: 5k
Run Size: 1,000 - 5,000

Run Orange County’s Turkey Trot 5K. This is a family friendly event that has something for everyone, including a kids run! 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. It’s your choice how to celebrate. It’s your Turkey Trot! This will be a picture perfect way to start celebrating Thanksgiving Day.

> 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