Run a Turkey Trot for Thanksgiving Day The Healthy Way

By Amanda Richert

Before you indulge in a wonderful meal with family, watch some holiday gridiron, and slowly sink into a food coma, join hundreds of thousands of Americans who start their Thanksgiving Day with a turkey trot.

Usually held on Thanksgiving morning, this running event has grown in popularity in recent years to the point where it has become as traditional as Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, according to Running USA, the massive growth in turkey trots has propelled Thanksgiving to the most popular holiday for road racing.

The average Thanksgiving meal will cost you anywhere between 2,500 and 4,500 calories — which means that you need to run a marathon to burn it all off! No turkey trot marathons exist yet, but you can ease your healthy conscience with a few miles as you kick off the holiday with this list of local fun runs for you and your family.

ALISO VIEJO

THANKSGIVING DAY - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Burbank: Burbank YMCA Turkey Trot

Dana Point: Dana Point Turkey Trot

Huntington Beach: Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble

Long Beach: Long Beach Turkey Trot

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Turkey Trot

Pacific Palisades: Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot

BAY AREA

THANKSGIVING DAY- THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Walnut Creek: Forma Turkey Trot

Napa: Napa Valley Turkey Chase

Point Pinole: Nitro Turkey Thanksgiving Run

San Francisco: San Francisco Turkey Trot

San Jose: Silicon Valley Turkey Trot

Pleasanton: Tri Valley Turkey Burn

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26

Fremont: Quarry Turkey Run

OREGON

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Portland: Les Schwab Tires Turkey Trot

THANKSGIVING DAY - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Sherwood: Give & Gobble Turkey Trot

Portland: OORC Oregon Zoo Turkey Trot