Top Turkey Trots in the US to Travel To 

Before the big feast on Thanksgiving Day, many running enthusiasts lace up their sneakers and commit to running a ‘Turkey Trot’. Turkey trots have popped up all across the country, and are a testament to balancing a scrumptious meal with much needed healthy activity.  

But the event has been popular since the early 1900s, first beginning in Buffalo in 1896, then spreading to cities like New Orleans (1907) and Cincinnati (1909), according to Runner’s World. If you’re open to joining in on the fun, here’s our round up of the top turkey trots in the US to travel to.  

Gear up for one of the oldest races in the nation in Buffalo, New York  

Who knew that Buffalo, New York is home to the ‘oldest consecutively-run footrace in the world’? Established in November 1896 with six runners on dirt roads, this year marks the 129th Annual YMCA Turkey Trot. The route is just about 5 miles (4.97 miles), and is open to up to 14,000 participants.  

Book your stay at Best Western On the Avenue. 

Trot in the America’s largest turkey trot in Silicon Valley, California 

This turkey trot is open to professional and amateurs runners, walkers, and joggers alike, culminating in a Thanksgiving race that has over 20,000 participants. The Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot has donated over 11 million dollars to different charities and is in its 19th year.  

Book your stay at Best Western Silicon Valley Inn.  

Strut your sunglasses in sunshine on the scenic route in Dana Point, California 

Put on your sunglasses for a scenic route by the Pacific Ocean at Dana Point, California 

If you picture the ocean breeze blowing in your hair before chowing down on turkey later that day, then the Dana Point Turkey Trot is for you. The 10K event is held in the picturesque Dana Point Harbor, with the course winding through Doheny State Beach. It’s also flat – perfect for beginners and those there to join the fun without the fuss.  

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel. 

Challenge yourself with a combination event in Detroit, Michigan 

The S3 Turkey Trot has been a tried and true tradition for Midwesterners for over 40 years. The race offers several options for distances: the 10K Turkey Trot, the 5K Stuffing Strut, and the Michigan Mashed Potato Mile. You even have the option to combine events with the Drumstick Double (10K + 5K), and the Cranberry Combo (5K + 1 mile) – so get trotting, strutting, or running!  

Book your stay at Best Western Greenfield Inn.  

Run for the swag at the finish line in Nashville, Tennessee 

If you’re a rewards-based individual and need swag to motivate you to get to the finish line, then the Nashville Turkey Trot is definitely for you. They’re motto is “Donut stop until you get to the finish line.” After running or walking your 5 mile or 10 mile course, you’ll receive Fox’s Donut Den Donuts, a fleece or hoodie of your choosing, and a runner’s medal, too!  

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Music Row.