Turkey Trots In the DMV

Thanksgiving is almost here, and you may be wondering ways to give back. Turkey Trots are popular friendly races around Thanksgiving time to fundraise money for various causes. There are multiple Turkey trots happening on Thanksgiving day in the DC area. If you’re in the DMV area visiting family or if you are from around here, make sure to check out what fun races you can join near you and which causes you can support this week with your family.

Join the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Bethesda Chevy Chase Rotary 10k race to thousands of runners on Thanksgiving morning! Historically the largest race in Montgomery County, the Turkey Chase Charity Race returns in all of its glory with its classic 10k race and a 2-mile fun run. To ensure everyone can participate, this year’s chase also offers virtual walking, running, biking, and swimming events until November 28th. Previous years’ events have drawn more than 9,000 runners, and raised a total of $8.5M to date in support of critical community programming for both YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Bethesda Chevy Chase Rotary. Every year, dedicated runners of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities go at their own pace to create this important funding lifeline, which actively supports area youth, families, and seniors in need. Race sponsorships are still available. Individuals may also expand their impact with an additional “Food for Good” donation, providing a week’s worth of local produce for those in need while also supporting local farmers. Sign up for the race that best suits your distance and location here, and make sure to sign up online beforehand as there is no paper registration in person. Registration is open until the race begins!

Work up an appetite on Thanksgiving Day morning with a 5K turkey trot. Grab your friends and family, lace up your running shoes, and join the annual Fairfax Turkey Trot 5K benefiting the City of Fairfax Fire Department Benevolent Fund. You can run in Fairfax — or wherever you are! The route in Fairfax starts and ends near Fire Station 3 (4081 University Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22030), and loops through Old Town Fairfax and George Mason University. The race is from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on November 24th. Read more about the event here and register here.

Join the 18th Annual LARS Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning at 8:00 AM for a 5K or 1 mile race. Walk or run in order to help raise money for hungry children and adults. Online registration ends on Monday, November 21st at 9:00 PM, and you can register in person at Jailbreak Brewery on November 22nd from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM or Road Runner Sports on November 23rd from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. You can also register the morning of the Turkey Trot at the event starting at 7:00 AM before the race. The race is at McCullough Field, Laurel, MD 20707​. Please bring your own water bottle. Read more about the event, registration, and race FAQs here and register online here.

Register for the 47th annual Alexandria Turkey Trot! The Race starts at 9:00 AM on November 24th. The race is 5 miles on flat ground through the heart of Del Ray. Both runners and walkers are welcome, and feel free to bring your family and dog. Online registration will be open until 6:00 on race day and in person registration will open at 7:30 and close at 8:30 on November 24th. For more information about the race and pricing, visit the race info page here and register online here.

Participate in the 2022 Columbia Island Turkey Trot and enjoy a scenic 5k and 10k race that will run alongside the Potomac River with views of the Washington Monument from across the river. The race will take place on November 24th at 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Walkers and strollers are welcome to attend this event, and a virtual run option is now offered for those who cannot make it on race day. Find out more about the virtual option here. Learn more about the race and important details about registration here.

Join Rock Recovery at the 17th annual Arlington Turkey Trot 5k on Thanksgiving day and support local nonprofits giving back to the community! Rock Recovery is a 2022 nonprofit beneficiary for the 17th annual Arlington Turkey Trot. This family-friendly, community 5k highlights and supports incredible nonprofit partners who provide critical resources to the Arlington community. The race is on Thursday, November 24th,  from 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM at 3020 North Pershing Drive (One block from Christ Church of Arlington) Arlington, VA, 22201. Learn more about the race and how to register here.

Join a 5K non-chip timed fun run in Capitol View Park on Thanksgiving Day. The race starts on November 24th at Capitol View Park 9819 Capitol View Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20910 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Learn more and show support by sending a donation here.

Join this neighborhood family and pet-friendly event on Thanksgiving Day. There will be two races: a 5K at 9:30 AM, and a 3K ‘Fun Run’ for younger participants and families at 8:30 AM. The races will be held on the beautiful trails at the SYA Sports Park. The event will be held rain or shine. Walkers and strollers are welcome to attend this event, and participants will receive a long sleeve event shirt and a chip timed event. Funds from the race will go towards the Virginia Valor FC, SYA and CYA Financial Aid Fund and Fields Fund. The race starts and ends at the SYA Sports Park (6626 Bull Run Post Office Rd, Centreville, VA). Read more about the race and registration here.

The 31st Annual Virginia Run Turkey Trot is on Thursday November 24, 2022. It includes the following events: Turkey Trot 5k and Turkey Trot 2k walk (untimed). The race will be at 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM at 15355 Wetherburn Dr, Centreville, VA. Learn more and sign up here.

Join a low-key Fun Run/walk through the neighborhood to celebrate the community and neighbors, families, health, friendship, and the spirit of the holiday — as well as a chance to support our neighbors in need.  There is no formal entry fee for this event, but all participants are asked to contribute non-perishable food items as their “entry fee.”  All non-perishables received will be donated to the Food For Others food bank in Merrifield nearby. Non-participant spectators can donate food items for FFO too! Learn more about what can be donated and other information about the race here.