Thanksgiving Turkey Trots to Run With Fido

Posted by Billy Francis

There’s no need for Fido to feel guilty about his second helping of turkey this Thanksgiving! Put that fork down, grab a pair of sneakers, and work off those extra holiday calories with your canine at a pet-friendly turkey trot.

The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot

Dallas, TX
“These paws were made for trotting.” Photo by Facebook.com/DallasTurkeyTrot

The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot is one of the largest Thanksgiving Day events of its kind. The race’s humble beginnings can be traced back to the 1940s. Today, it invites thousands of humans and furry running mates to race through downtown Dallas. Dogs are allowed on both the 5K and 8-mile courses and will receive a Turkey Trot dog bandana and a K9 race bib once they register. The first 750 dogs to cross the 5K finish line will win a medal! Stop by the race-day dog park for treats and goodies before or after your run.

The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot sets off from Dallas City Hall at 7 a.m. on November 28, 2024. Canine participants are welcome, but won’t be timed.

If you’re looking for pet-friendly accommodations in the area, The Joule Dallas provides furry guests with beds and treats. You and your pooch can stretch and cool down at the Dog Run at Main Street Garden two blocks away.

Historic Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Walk

Bethlehem, PA
“If I win the costume contest, do I still need to run?” Photo by Facebook.com/HistoricBethlehem

The Historic Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Walk in Bethlehem, PA, invites you and your pooch to stomp the streets of this picturesque town together. During the leisurely 1.7-mile walk, soak in the history and culture of the 18th-century Moravian community that once settled here. Before the walk starts, take part in the Best Pet Costume Contest. Judges will award dogs for originality and turkey trot-themed costumes.

The Historic Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Walk begins at 9 a.m. on November 30. Reserve a room at Hampton Inn & Suites Bethlehem which has a grassy area for pet relief

Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K

San Diego, CA
“Only 364 days until next year’s race!” Photo by @fatherjoes

Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K is San Diego's original and longest-standing Thanksgiving Day turkey trot. Proceeds from the race help to feed homeless people in the area through Father Joe’s Villages’ meal program. Bring Fido to the Furry Friends Area in Balboa Park to pick up a bandana and other swag before the race begins. There are 7,500 participants and spectators in attendance every year, so skittish pups might want to sit this one out. To celebrate Fido’s “pawsonal” best, purchase a commemorative dog bandana for $5 and get free entry into the costume contest.

Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K gets going on November 28 at 6:30 a.m. Let Fido put his paws up at Hotel Indigo Gaslamp Quarter an IHG Hotel after the race. Pet amenities include treats, beds, bowls and complimentary food.

MarshVegas Turkey Trot

Marshfield, MA
Will run for apple pie. Photo by Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield

The whole family, including your canine companion, is invited to run the MarshVegas Turkey Trot featuring a four-mile run or a two-mile walk. The fun run benefits The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, a youth development organization providing programs and services to the children and families of the South Shore. Bring Fido to get some pre-turkey cardio and give back to a good cause. Pre-registration tickets include a knit cap, apple pie and runner's bib.

Registration for the event opens at 6:30 a.m. and the trot begins at 7:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

After trotting and feasting, Fido can relax at Green Harbor Hotel. Take a short drive to the National Monument to the Forefathers, a state-owned park with an 81-foot granite statue in memory of the Pilgrims who left England to start their own colony.

Phoenix Turkey Trot

Phoenix, AZ
Thankful for all the pats. Photo by Phoenix Turkey Trot

Bring Fido to the Phoenix Turkey Trot to start Thanksgiving on the right paw. This family- and pet-friendly race features a scenic route through downtown with no out and backs. The race will feature a 5K, 10K, a 1-mile Gobble Dash, and there will also be a tot trot for the littlest members of your family. Dress up the whole family, including Fido, for a chance to win awards for the best costume!

Registration and packet pickup opens at 6:30 a.m. at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza and the first race starts at 7:30 a.m. on November 28.

Book a room for the holiday weekend at FOUNDRE Phoenix which is located next to a park and has dog treats and beds available upon request.

Fairfax Turkey Trot

Fairfax, VA
“I’d have finished a lot sooner if I wasn’t tied to this guy!” Photo by Facebook.com/fairfaxturkeytrot

Grab Fido’s leash and run for a good cause at the Fairfax Turkey Trot. Proceeds from the race will be donated to a local nonprofit. With close proximity to the Lake Accotink Trail and Eakin Community Park, both popular dog-walking spots, the Mantua community is the perfect setting for a Thanksgiving dash. The 4-mile course winds around pretty neighborhoods and tree-lined pathways displaying the beautiful colors of fall.

The Fairfax Turkey Trot gets underway at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. Spend the night at Archer Hotel Falls Church. The concierge desk is stocked with treats, and there’s a grassy area where dogs can enjoy an evening stroll.

Turkey Day 5K Caldwell

Caldwell, ID
The family that runs together, feasts together. Photo by Turkey Day 5K Caldwell

Kickstart your Thanksgiving appetite with the Turkey Day 5K Caldwell in Memorial Park! This special Turkey Day trot brings family and furry friends together to start the holiday off in a healthy way. Come dressed the part, and join runners, joggers and walkers for this lighthearted run. Participants will be staged according to their anticipated pace to ensure a safe and enjoyable race. Leashed dogs are invited to participate in the race, but please clean up after your pets.

The race starts at 9 a.m. on November 28 and costs $40 to enter.

If you’re running the race while visiting family from out of town, the La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Caldwell provides a comfortable place to rest after overindulging at the buffet.

The Hickory Foundation YMCA Annual Turkey Trot

Hickory, NC
“He’s definitely Robin in this relationship.” Photo by Facebook.com/ymcacv

Trade the couch and the dog bed for the podium at the Annual Hickory Turkey Trot. The day’s activities start with a 1-mile fun run for kids, followed by the 10K walk/run and 5K races. Four-legged pacesetters can run with their owners in either of the events. Film buffs might recognize some of the areas around the town from the popular film series, “The Hunger Games,” not to be confused with the hunger game that Fido plays whenever you’re about to eat dinner!

The Hickory Foundation YMCA Annual Turkey Trot takes place at 9 a.m. the Saturday before Thanksgiving, November 23.

The Best Western Hickory is conveniently located near the race starting point and has plenty of grassy relief areas for your pooch.

Magnuson Series Turkey Day Trot

Seattle, WA
“Top Dog” Photo by Magnuson Series Seattle Turkey Day Trot

Counteract the impending food fest of Thanksgiving dinner with the Magnuson Series Turkey Day Trot. This scenic race winds around the perimeter of Warren G. Magnuson Park. All proceeds benefit the Teen Feed, which supports homeless Seattle youth who might not be fortunate enough to have a feast waiting for them on Thanksgiving. On the day of the race, bring any food items you wish to donate to the University Food Bank, too.

The turkey trot begins at 9:30 a.m. on November 28. Dogs need to start at the back of the race, distanced a little from the crowd.

Stay at the Thompson Hotel afterward, where treats are provided at check-in, and there is a courtyard with small patches of grass for pets.

Festival Foods Turkey Trots

“I’m gonna win this by a wet nose!” Photo by Facebook.com/FestivalFoodsTurkeyTrot

Festival Foods Turkey Trots take place all across Wisconsin on Thanksgiving Day. With 11 different pet-friendly locations from which to choose, two- and four-legged Wisconsinites are bound to find a race nearby. The Dog Jogs, part of the Turkey Trot 2-mile walk, are the canine legs of the races. Every pup taking part in the race will receive a Turkey Trot bandana to wear proudly to the dog park. Feeling left out? Human racers can get their paws on a free Festival Foods pumpkin pie at the finish line.

The Dog Jogs at Festival Foods Turkey Trot will be held at several locations beginning at 8:15 a.m. on November 28. You can join the race at any one of the locations for the 2-mile Dog Jog, or conquer your own course with the home edition race.

If you're staying in town for the long weekend, check out these awesome pet-friendly hotels in Wisconsin.