Updated for 2024
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 as well as a “Widdle Wobble” for those 12 and under and for the first time there’s a one-mile Dog Jog that allows you to bring along your furry friend (dogs are not allowed in the other categories). Races have staggered start times on Thanksgiving morning. Details and registration information are available online.
Gobble Wobble
5400 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90803
This race takes place before Thanksgiving on Sunday, November 17th. There are 5K, 10K, 10 Miles, and Half Marathon options. There are two 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 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 2024 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 27th from 12:00 p.m. –5:00 p.m. at Gate A 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 28th. A portion of the proceeds will help the Upland High School boys and girls cross-country track teams.
Big Bear Turkey Trot
Meadow Park, 41220 Park Ave., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
This family-friendly annual run benefits the Open Air Big Bear charity. You can choose the 3, 6, or 9 mile run. All ages are welcome and children in strollers are allowed. Check online for registration information.
Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot
Starts and Ends at Palisades Charter High School
15777 Bowdoin St., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Families are invited to participate in the 10th Annual Palisades Funding Turkey Trot happening 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 a kids race also. All finishers receive a medal. No dogs are allowed.
This event benefits the Day of Giving, Local Firehouses #69 & #23, and Desita.org. Participants are encouraged to pick up packets their packets early. Registration information is available online.
Related: Holiday Races in Los Angeles
Drumstick Dash LA
NoHo Arts District
Race Starts at 11275 Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
Described as “LA’s largest Thanksgiving 5K/10K run,” Drumstick Dash is happening on Thanksgiving morning. “Move your feet so others can eat!” In addition to the run, the fun also includes freebies, a dance contest, a costume contest, and a Lil’ Gobblers Race. All proceeds “will help Hope of the Valley 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 44th 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. 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, 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
6300 King Dr., Ventura, CA 93003
The Ventura Turkey Trot happens on Thanksgiving Day and is something the whole family can participate in. There is a 5K/10K 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, a 10K, and a combo — which means the whole family can get involved. The event is happening on Sunday, November 24th, 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 is happening on Thanksgiving morning at 8:00 am. The “mostly flat course takes you along Arroyo Creek bike path.” Participants also will earn a medal and finisher’s shirt. Registration information is available online.
Related: 35 Thanksgiving Pie Recipes to Bake
Turkey Trot 5K, 10K, 15 K, Half Marathon
A Better World Running
Crescent Bay Park, 2000 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90405
Head to Santa Monica on Thanksgiving morning to participate in the Turkey Trot. The course is described as “super easy,” comprised of a series of loops around the beach path. All finishers will receive a medal and a goodie bag. This Turkey Trot describes itself as a “small informal event,” 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
Irvine Valley College
5500 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
Families can choose from the I 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 old 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 19th Annual Turkey Trot 5-mile or 5K run/walk
33 North Coast Hwy., Oceanside, CA 92054
Here’s a chance to “move your feet before you eat” this Thanksgiving at Oceanside’s 19th Annual Turkey Trot 5-mile or 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 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.