The Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot is a running community tradition!

It's a great way to start off this wonderful holiday. Enjoy some fresh air while you take on a physical challenge and connect with the community at these running events. You will have an extra bounce in your step when you return home and spend quality time with friends and family watching football and feasting on delicious turkey, stuffing, cranberries and more. 

We have two things for you in this article

1 - A list of Turkey Trots happening around the Houston area that you might want to check out.

2 - The RunGuides Houston Turkey Trot map to help you find Turkey Trots near you

Turkey Trails

Date: Sunday, November 19, 2023
Distance: 10k, 5k, 1mi
Run Size: 500

Join the annual Turkey Trails 5k and 10k, a Thanksgiving-themed run that is perfect for the whole family. The fun includes great swag (designer shirt, custom medal), chip-timing, live results and awards, free photos, costumes, free kids dash, great post-race food, and plenty of fun activities. Grab your friends and family you are not going to want to miss this one!

> Learn more about Turkey Trails

Run Thru the Woods 

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Distance: 5mi, 3mi, and 1mi Kids Run
Run Size: 4,500

A local Thanksgiving morning tradition in the Woodlands, the YMCA Run Thru the Woods, has supported local non-profits with the goal of strengthening The Woodlands, Spring and Oak Ridge communities for many years. At the Run Thru The Woods event, you can choose to participate in the 5 mile certified run, a 3 mile run or walk, or sign up the kids for the 1 mile fun run. The event brings thousands of community members together on Thanksgiving Day for entertainment and a run designed for all ages including a pancake breakfast to be thankful for. Finishers medals for all runners and prize packages for the fastest ones, including the speedy young ones!

> Learn more about the Run Thru the Woods

BakerRipley Houston Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Distance: 10k, 5k, Fun Run
Run Size: 13,000

Over 13,000 people gather on Thanksgiving morning for this Turkey Trot. This event benefits BakerRipley, formerly Neighborhood Centers, a community development organization that has helped serve the Houston region for 110 years which means that all of the funds raised at this race go back into local projects and intiatives. With a 10k, 5k, and Kid's 1k there is a run for everyone at this run. 

For the past 26 years, the BakerRipley Turkey Trot has become the largest Thanksgiving Day footrace race and the second largest footrace in the Houston area.

> Learn more about the BakerRipley Houston Turkey Trot

L3 Foundation Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Distance: 5k and Fun Run
Run Size: 500

Taking place in Kingwood, the L3 Turkey Day 5K & Wishbone 1K is a perfect way to enjoy your Thanksgiving Day morning. Get out for a run or walk before you head back home for Turkey Day preparations. This event helps support the L3 Foundation, whose mission is to aid children and their families who are fighting childhood cancer.

> Learn more about the L3 Foundation Turkey Trot

Pearland Turkey Trot

Date:  Thursday, November 23, 2023
Distance: 6mi, 4mi, 1mi, and Kids K
Run Size: 1,000

The pearland Turkey Trot starts and finishes at the Pearland Stadium and features both a 6 mile and 4 mile course options for runners and walkers! There are also options for a 1-mile walk and Kids k. Particpants receive medals, shirts and post race food & drinks sponsored by local vendors. This event benefits the Forever Parks Foundation of Pearland.

> Learn more about the Pearland Turkey Trot

Sugar Land Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Distance: 5mi, 2.8mi walk, and Kids Run
Run Size: 1,200

Houston's original Thanksgiving Day run. This Turkey Trot is held in the beautiful Sugar Creek subdivision, about 20 miles from downtown Houston. The morning kicks off with a mile run for the under-12's, followed by the five mile race. Participants are asked to bring canned goods, warm clothing, and running shoes for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry.

> Learn more about the Sugar Land Turkey Trot

Lake Jackson Turkey Trot

Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Distance: 10k, 5k, Kids Fun Run
Run Size: 500

The Lake Jackson Turkey Trot is a 5K/10K Run/Walk held on Thanksgiving morning to benefit the Lake Jackson Intermediate Band program. There is also a Kids' Fun Run before the main race!

> Learn more about the Lake Jackson Turkey Trot

Looking for more races?

For the complete list of Turkey Trots and other races happening in and around the Houston area go to www.runguides.com/houston/runs