Updated for 2025
Ah, Thanksgiving. The traditional feast we Americans celebrate each November comes with more calories than humans should normally consume in a single day, but we do it anyway. And hopefully, we don’t do it every day!
If we are going to eat a giant meal, we might as well make ourselves feel better about it by getting some exercise in on the same day, so somebody thought up this wonderful idea of the Turkey Trot. The Turkey Trot is usually a 5K/10K Fun Run, held on Thanksgiving morning, to get your metabolism working before those carbs take their place in your belly.
Many Turkey Trots welcome families with a mini-run for young kids, often named something like a Gobble Wobble, or something else just as cute. That way, it can be a family affair, with strollers and baby carriers — and walking — being welcomed as well.
Even better than getting exercise on Thanksgiving morning is the fact that most Turkey Trots in Los Angeles have a charity component, with portions of the registration fee being donated, or hosting a food collection station on site.
And since we can usually count on terrific weather for Thanksgiving in SoCal, it’s just a great chance to get outdoors and enjoy. These are a few of the super fun, family-friendly Turkey Trots in Los Angeles, and we hope you get to try one!
15+ Fun Turkey Trots in Los Angeles and SoCal
Turkey Trot Los Angeles
Starts and finishes at City Hall
200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
The annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles has a great motto: “Trot before you gobble and support an important cause.” This event will support The Midnight Mission, an organization dedicated to helping those struggling with homelessness. There is a 5K and 10K option (there’s a combo deal that allows you to sign up for both and save), as well as a “Widdle Wobble” for those 12 and under, and a one-mile Dog Jog with your furry friend (dogs are not allowed in the other categories). Plus, there’s even a 5K virtual run. Races have staggered start times on Thanksgiving morning. Details and registration information are available online.
Gobble Wobble
Claremont Beach, 5400 E. Ocean Ave., Long Beach, CA 90803
This race takes place before Thanksgiving on Sunday, November 16th. There are 5K, 10K, 10 miles, and half-marathon options. There are different start times offered for each race. Check online for more information or to register for a race.
Rose Bowl Turkey Trot
Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena, CA 91103
The 8th Annual Rose Bowl Turkey Trot is your chance to continue the tradition of family fun at the Rose Bowl on Thanksgiving Day! “Runners, walkers, skippers, and jumpers alike can participate this year by running around the 5K recreational loop at America’s Stadium”. All entry fees for 2025 are 100% tax-deductible and go directly to the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, a 501©3 organization.
Participants can pick up race packets ahead of time on Wednesday, November 26th, from 12:00 p.m. –5:00 p.m. in Lot K of the Rose Bowl Stadium. Strollers and dogs are allowed to come along during the race. Trot before you gobble and help preserve, protect, and enhance the Rose Bowl Stadium!
Upland Turkey Trot
San Antonio Park, 2393 N. Mountain Ave., Upland, CA 91784
The City of Upland is promoting healthy living with a series of races, one of which is their annual Turkey Trot on November 27th. A portion of the proceeds will help the Upland High School boys and girls cross-country track teams. Get more information and register online for the race.
Big Bear Turkey Trot
Dank Donuts, 42612 Moonridge Rd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
This family-friendly annual run benefits the Open Air Big Bear charity. The 3-mile run is open to all ages are the kids’ run is free. Children in strollers are allowed, and there will be music, pie, costumes, and fun. Check online for registration information.
Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot — NEW ROUTE FOR 2025!
Starts and Ends at Palisades Village Green
15280 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Families are invited to participate in the 11th Annual Palisades Funding Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning at 8:15 a.m. (gates open at 6:45 a.m.). Families may choose to run either the 5K or 10K race, and there’s also a kids’ race. All finishers receive a medal. Dogs are allowed this year, but check the website for more information.
This event benefits the Day of Giving. Participants are encouraged to pick up their packets early. Registration information is available online.
Related: Holiday Races in Los Angeles
Drumstick Dash LA
North Hollywood Red Line/Orange Line Station
Race Starts at 11234 Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
Described as “LA’s largest Thanksgiving 5K/10K run,” the 8th annual Drumstick Dash will happen on Thanksgiving morning. “Move your feet so others can eat!” In addition to the run, the fun also includes freebies, food, a costume contest, and a Lil’ Gobblers Race. All proceeds “will help Hope the Mission provide over 2 million hot meals for homeless men, women, and children.” You can find all the details as well as registration information online.
Related: Places to Do Good at Thanksgiving
Harry Sutter Memorial Turkey Trot Fun Run
Sam’s Club Parking Lot
2601 Skypark Dr., Torrance, CA 90505
The City of Torrance Community Services Department is hosting the 45th Annual Harry Sutter Memorial Turkey Trot Fun Run on Thanksgiving morning at 8:00 am. This three-mile run promises to be lots of fun. All participants receive a commemorative shirt, and after the fun run, there will be a drawing for lots of great prizes. Pets are not allowed for this event. And don’t forget to donate canned foods, which will be distributed to people in need throughout the South Bay.
Thanksgiving Day Run and Food Drive
Olberz Park
One Civic Center Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
The Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge’s (CCLCF) Annual Thanksgiving Day Run and Food Drive is a popular tradition for many families. There is a 5K option as well as a Kid’s Mile (for children 12 and younger). Additionally, families are encouraged to donate canned and non-perishable foods. Registration information is available online.
Related: Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go
Dana Point Turkey Trot
Dana Point Harbor, 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, CA 92629
“Run the race before you stuff your face,” says the Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot! Participants can walk, jog, or run a 5K, 10K, or 15K Combo. There is also a one-mile Gobble Wobble for kids (ages 2-12). All participants will receive a shirt prior to the race and be awarded a medal after crossing the finish line. And if you can’t make it in person, there is the opportunity to be a Virtual Participant.
Related: Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner in Los Angeles
Ventura Turkey Trot
Just off King at the Ventura Auto Center, Ventura, CA 93003
The Ventura Turkey Trot will take place on Thanksgiving Day and is something the whole family can participate in. There is a 5K Run/Walk option as well as a Kids 1K (for kids 14 and under). “This loop course is fast and flat, so come out and sweat with us before you sit down for your Thanksgiving feast.” Participants are also asked to bring non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Food Drive.
Anaheim Turkey Trot 5K/10K and Fun Run
2610 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806
There are multiple courses available in the Anaheim Turkey Trot — including a 5K, a 1-mile Fun Run, and a 10K — which means the whole family can get involved. The event will happen on Sunday, November 23rd, and all finishers receive a medal. This is a “flat, fast course” and is described as the “best way to run up an appetite.” Registration information is available online.
Thanksgiving Day 5K — Simi Valley
Rancho Simi Community Park
1765 Royal Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065
The Thanksgiving Day 5K — Simi Valley will take place on Thanksgiving morning at 8:00 am. The “mostly flat course takes you along the Arroyo Creek bike path.” Participants will earn a medal and a finisher’s shirt. Registration information is available online.
Related: 35 Thanksgiving Pie Recipes to Bake
Santa Monica Turkey Trot — New, Larger Location!
Woodley Park, 6340 Woodley Ave., Lake Balboa, CA 91406
Head to Santa Monica on Thanksgiving morning to participate in the Turkey Trot. This is an open course and super easy to follow with only one small hill. Participants can choose from 5K, 10K, 15K, and a half-marathon. All finishers will receive a medal and a goodie bag. This Turkey Trot describes itself as friendly, relaxed, and fun, with an emphasis on personal satisfaction over racing. Registration information is available online.
Note: They also have a run in Long Beach
OC Turkey Trot — New Parking for 2025!
Irvine Valley College
5500 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
Families can choose from the 1-mile, 5K, or a kids’ Gobble Wobble race with shorter distances. The Gobble Wobble is broken up into age groups: 3 and under participate in the Diaper Dash, 4-5 year olds have fun in the Tot Trot, 6-10 year olds and 11-12 year olds compete in their own Youth Races. “Run fast, jog, trot, walk, or enjoy a nice stroll on this flat scenic course.” Finishers receive medals and a slice of fresh pumpkin pie!
O’side’s 20th Annual 5K Turkey Trot run/walk
330 N. Coast Hwy., Oceanside, CA 92054
Here’s a chance to “move your feet before you eat” this Thanksgiving at Oceanside’s 20th Annual Turkey Trot 5K run/walk. Register & join one of the fastest-growing holiday traditions. Be sure to bring the entire family, as there will be races for everyone. The event offers a costume contest, a teams competition, live entertainment on the course, and finisher medals, shirts, and photos for all participants.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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John
Monday 13th of November 2023
Don't forget about the Rose Bowl Turkey Trot. :)
Sarah Auerswald
Monday 13th of November 2023
Great tip! Thanks for letting us know.