Put that spoon down, grab a pair of sneakers and work off any extra holiday calories with your pug-grim at a pet-friendly Turkey Trot. There’s no need for Fido to feel guilty about his second helping of turkey this Thanksgiving!
1. The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot Dallas, TX
The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot is the largest Thanksgiving Day event of its kind in the country. 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. Stop by the race-day dog park for treats and goodies before or after your run.
Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot will be held at 9 a.m. on November 28. 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 do some stretches and cool down at the Main Street Garden Urban Dog Run two blocks away.
2. Historic Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Walk Bethlehem, PA
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 at 8 a.m., take part in the Best Pet Costume Contest. Judges will award dogs for originality and turkey-trot themed costumes.
Historic Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Walk will be held on November 30. Reserve a room with a boo at the haunted Historic Hotel Bethlehem, where jilted lovers and former town guides are said to roam the halls. Fido will receive a much more welcome surprise, too. Pet beds, bowls and treats are provided for canine guests.
3. Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K San Diego, CA
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 along to the Furry Friends Area 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.
Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K will kick off at 6:30 a.m. on November 28. Put your paws up at The Bristol after the race. A pet package that includes treats, a bed and bowls will be provided upon request.
4. Post-Thanksgiving Dog Walk Marion, MA
The Sippican Lands Trust is a nonprofit organization that protects approximately 1,350 acres of beautiful open space around Marion, MA. Every year, the organization hosts a free Post-Thanksgiving Dog Walk to give residents an appreciation of the land they work so hard to protect. The 248-acre White Eagle property, where the walk takes place, is a diverse mixture of upland pine, mixed hardwood forest, shrub and wooded swamp, freshwater marsh and cranberry bogs.
Sippican Lands Trust’s Post-Thanksgiving Dog Walk will be held at 1 p.m. on December 1. Marion’s secluded location makes it perfect for rediscovering nature. Extend your adventure at one of these pet-friendly Airbnb rentals nearby.
5. Phoenix Turkey Trot Phoenix, AZ
There’s something for everyone at the Phoenix Turkey Trot. The races are divided into three lengths: the 5K Run and Walk, 10K Run and 1-mile Gobbler Dash and Tot Trot. Dogs are welcome to participate in any of the events. Top finishers will be awarded a pumpkin pie, which should give Fido all the motivation he needs. Don’t worry if you miss out on the podium; all racers can still pay a visit to the Pumpkin Pie and Cranberry Station.
The Phoenix Turkey Trot will begin at 7:15 a.m. on November 28. For a downtown Phoenix hotel, reserve a room at the pet-friendly Sheraton Grand Phoenix. Located minutes from the start line, there’s a grassy area across the street where your pup can do her last-minute stretches.
6. Fairfax Turkey Trot Fairfax, VA
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 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. Dogs and their owners should start in the back of the pack.
Fairfax Turkey Trot will be held at 8 a.m. on November 28. The city of Fairfax is full of history dating back to the Civil War and beyond. Stay the night at the Hyatt House Falls Church/Merrifield and discover the stories of the town. The concierge desk is stocked with treats and there’s a grassy area where dogs can enjoy an evening stroll.
7. Turkey Day 5K Minneapolis, MN
Turkey Day 5K is fast becoming a local tradition in Minneapolis. For more than 30 years, two- and four-legged racers have worked up an appetite on the course, which runs through downtown and past landmarks like City Hall, U.S. Bank Stadium, the Guthrie Theater, Gold Medal Park and the mighty Mississippi River. Bonus awards are handed out to the Largest Colony and Fastest Flock.
Turkey Day 5K will take place on November 28. The Marquette Hotel welcomes furry friends and is located near the race starting line and Gateway Dog Park.
8. Annual Turkey Trot Hickory, NC
Trade the couch and the dog bed for the podium at Hickory, NC’s Annual Turkey Trot. The day’s activities start off 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 races. 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 Annual Turkey Trot will start at 8:30 a.m. on November 23. The Best Western Hickory is conveniently located near the race starting point and has plenty of grassy relief areas for your pooch.
9. Seattle Turkey Trot Seattle, WA
Counteracting the impending food fest of Thanksgiving dinner was the original aim of the three Seattleites who founded the Seattle Turkey Trot, but the event has grown in popularity over the years. The scenic race route starts at Golden Gardens Park and hugs Shilshole Bay along Puget Sound. All proceeds go to benefit the Ballard Food Bank, which provides vital supplies to people who might not be fortunate enough to have a feast waiting for them on Thanksgiving.
Seattle Turkey Trot starts at 8 a.m. on November 28. The prime waterfront location of the race makes for a beautiful run, but it’s a trek back into the city. Spend the night at the Hotel Nexus, BW Signature Collection, where furry guests receive a treat from the front desk.
10. Festival Foods Turkey Trots
Festival Foods Turkey Trots take place all across Wisconsin on Thanksgiving Day. With 11 different pet-friendly locations to choose from, 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. If you're staying in town for the long weekend, check out these awesome pet-friendly vacation rentals in Wisconsin.
11. Plymouth Rock ‘n’ Run Anaheim, CA
Run, walk or skip your way through the Plymouth Rock ‘n’ Run. The day’s events are divided into a 5K, 10K, 10-mile, dog walk and children’s categories. The races all take place at Yorba Regional Park, a mile-wide recreation area that showcases Anaheim’s stunning scenery alongside the Santa Ana River. Registered dogs will receive an event bandana as well as entrance into the Cutest Dog Contest and Best Dog Costume Contest.
Plymouth Rock ‘n’ Run will be held at 7 a.m. on November 28. You can’t visit this part of the country without spending a day at Huntington Dog Beach, one of our favorite beaches on the West Coast. Is there any better way to reward Fido’s hard work than with a day on the beach and a night at the Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel? Dogs are pampered with treats, pet beds and bowls upon arrival.
12. Turkey Legs Trifecta Indianapolis, IN
Get Fido’s tail on the trail at the Turkey Legs Trifecta in Indianapolis. Run along the banks of the White River with your dog in the 5K or 6K races just west of downtown Indianapolis. The start times are staggered, so you can run in both if you and your pup are up to it.
Turkey Legs Trifecta will be held at 10 a.m. on November 30. Spend the evening after the event at the Conrad Indianapolis. Pet guests will be provided with beds, bowls and treats upon request.
