Thanksgiving is a day that is usually spent being stuffed full of food and sitting on the couch. Why not burn off those extra calories at a run/walk? Get moving! You can even help out a charity while doing so! Turkey trots are becoming a new Thanksgiving tradition among many families. With many of these run/walk events, there are usually family-friendly fun runs, competitive timed runs, and other festivities taking place. Don’t like running? Consider volunteering at the event!
In the LA area:
On Thanksgiving day, head out to the Long Beach Turkey Trot. This annual 5K/10K is not only a “pre-emptive strike against the holiday bulge,” but your registration fees help support Community Action Team, a local nonprofit that supports animals, children, and the environment through their various events and projects. With more than 6,000 runners expected to attend this year, why not count yourself as one of them?
On Saturday, November 27, take your family to the Santa Monica Gobble Wobble. The Gobble Wobble includes a 5K fun run and a “Widdle Wobble” 1K run for kids 10 and under. If running isn’t your thing, the morning event includes a costume contest, music, and other fun activities. In partnership with the Westside Food Bank, the Gobble Wobble also encourages all attendees to bring a food donation. Get moving early and enjoy a beautiful Southern California morning!
Other trots to check out:
- November 21st—Puente Hills Family YMCA Turkey Trot
- November 25th—Dana Point Turkey Trot
- November 25th—causelife Turkey Trot Huntington Beach
- November 25th—Plymouth Rock ‘n Run Turkey Trot (North Orange County)
- November 25th—Lake Balboa Turkey Trot in Van Nuys
- November 25th—Burbank Community YMCA Turkey Trot
- November 25th—Topanga Turkey Trot
- November 27th—San Dimas Turkey Trot
In the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento areas:
On Thanksgiving day, why not attend the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot? Alongside thousands of others in beautiful San Jose, you can run/walk in the 5K or participate in the 10K run. While working up an appetite for your holiday feast, you will be helping the Santa Clara Family Health Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank and the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County.
If you are closer to Sacramento on Thanksgiving day, check out the Run to Feed to the Hungry. With 30,000 participants expected, this is sure to be a great event. There will be a 5K run, 10K run, and a 5K fun run/walk. According to their website, the Run to Feed the Hungry is the largest Thanksgiving Day fun run in the US. The event acts as the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ main annual fundraising event, so why not help donate to a wonderful cause?
Other trots to check out:
- November 20th—Davis Turkey Trot
- November 25th—Turkey Trail Trot (Golden Gate Park, San Francisco)
- November 25th—Modesto Turkey Trot
- November 25th—Folsom Turkey Trot
Know of any other cool ways to give back to charity during Thanksgiving time? Let us hear about them!