Join Springfield’s Thanksgiving Day Tradition! The 30th Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk, presented by Hall Ansley PC, takes place Thursday, Nov. 28, 8 a.m. in downtown Springfield, rain or shine.
Register to earn your Thanksgiving calories and support your community through the Developmental Center of the Ozarks and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund. Please bring five food items to donate to Ozarks Food Harvest.
The turkey trot has become a beloved Thanksgiving tradition for millions of Americans. This festive 5K or 10K race takes place on Thanksgiving morning in cities and towns across the country. Runners dress up in pilgrim hats, turkey costumes and other silly outfits as they gobble their way along the course before gathering with family for the big feast.
If you’re considering participating in a turkey trot this year, one question you may have is – how much does it cost? While prices vary based on factors like location and race amenities, most turkey trots are very affordable at around $30 to $40 per entry
Typical Turkey Trot Entry Fees
The majority of turkey trots charge between $25 to $45 for pre-registration, with costs rising closer to race day. This entry fee usually includes:
- Race bib and timing chip
- Long sleeve tech shirt
- Finisher’s medal
- Post-race refreshments
Some of the factors that cause fees to range higher or lower
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Location – Races in major cities like New York and Los Angeles tend to cost more, while small town turkey trots are very budget friendly.
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Race Distance – The 10K option generally costs $5 to $15 more than the 5K distance.
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Swag & Extras – Races with extra amenities like photos, food and drinks cost slightly more.
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Charity Support – Trots that donate proceeds to charity may have a small premium on entry fees.
Ways to Save on Turkey Trot Entry
While base registration costs are generally quite reasonable, there are some ways to trim your turkey trot expenses further:
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Sign Up Early – Races often offer discounts for early registration a month or more pre-race.
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Team Discounts – Forming a team with friends or family can take $5 to $20 off per person.
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Go Virtual – Opting for a virtual entry with shirt and medal mailed to you costs $10 to $20 less.
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Fundraise to Run – Many races allow charity fundraising in lieu of entry fees.
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Use Coupon Codes – Races will sometimes offer promo codes to save $5 or 10% on registration.
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Skip Extras – Forgoing extras like photos and gear check can pare costs.
Turkey Trot Entry Fees by City
To give you an idea of actual turkey trot pricing based on location, here are the entry fees for some of the largest races:
New York City
- 5K – $53 to $73 depending on registration date
- 10K – $63 to $83
Atlanta
- 5K – $35 to $55
- 10K – $45 to $65
Chicago
- 5K – $35 early bird up to $45 regular registration
- 10K – $45 early bird up to $55 regular registration
Dallas
- 5K – $40 to $50
- 10K – $45 to $55
Detroit
- 5K – $30 to $45
- 10K – $30 to $45
Los Angeles
- 5K – $55 to $75
- 10K – $65 to $85
As you can see, major marathon cities like New York and Los Angeles fall on the pricier end, while most trots cost right around $40 on average.
Is a Turkey Trot Worth the Cost?
While turkey trots require some upfront investment, most runners feel the entry fee provides excellent value. For just $25 to $50, you gain entry into a fun community event, technical shirt, finisher’s medal, and so much more. Additional perks include:
- Quality time with friends and family
- Burning calories before the big feast
- Contributing to charity fundraising
- The feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line
- Fun memories and photos of you in a turkey costume!
For a healthy, festive start to Thanksgiving, participating in a local turkey trot is money well spent. The entry fee is minimal compared to the laughter, smiles, and memories gained.
Finding a Turkey Trot Near You
If you’re ready to register for your first turkey trot, or find a new race for this year, here are some tips:
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Ask running friends for recommendations of local trots.
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Check race calendars on sites like Active.com and Running in the USA.
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Search Facebook for turkey trot discussion groups.
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Look on your city’s parks and rec site for upcoming races.
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Search for “(Your City) Turkey Trot” online.
Once you find a few options close by, pick a race date that fits your schedule. Then gather a fun costume, round up friends and family to join, and get ready to burn off some calories before Thanksgiving dinner! From kids’ runs to 10Ks, turkey trots offer affordable holiday fun for all ages and fitness levels.
Registration is now closed.
Early Bird registration pricing is $25/Adults and $20/Kids 12 yrs. and under. Register by 5 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 22 for early bird pricing.
Register in person on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Race Day, 6-7:15 a.m. at Springfield Expo Center, 635 E. St. Louis.
Packet pick-up is Wednesday, Nov. 27, 8 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. and Race Day, 6-7:15 a.m., at Springfield Expo Center, 635 E. St Louis.
Participants may also register on-site and drop off five nonperishable food items for Ozarks Food Harvest. Historically, Turkey Trot is one of the group’s largest food drives of the year.
Turkey Trot is presented by Hall Ansley PC, with healthcare support from Cox Health, and additional support from Davis Properties, Brad Bradshaw MD JD LC, Brightspeed Business, Cox Health Plans, Foundation Recovery Systems, Great Southern Bank and the Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company. Promotional support from KY3, Midwest Family Radio, OReilly Auto Parts, Power 96.5 and Sumner One.
RegistrationEarly Bird registration pricing is $25/Adults and $20/Kids (12 yrs. and under) and is now open. Register by 5 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 22 for early bird pricing.On-site registrationis available at packet pick up at Springfield Expo Center, Wed., Nov. 27, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. or the morning of the event, Nov. 28, 6-7:15 a.m. $35/adults and $30/kids 12 and under.
Traveling Trotter Out of town or avoiding crowds? Register as a Traveling Trotter by Fri., Nov. 8 and well mail your packet anywhere in the U.S. $33/Traveler, includes shipping. Traveling trotters are not eligible for official results or medals. Race bibs do not include timing devices.
Packet Pick up Packet pick-up will held Wednesday, Nov. 27, at Springfield Expo Center, where participants may also register on-site and drop off food donations for longtime Turkey Trot partner, Ozarks Food Harvest. Turkey Trot is one of the group’s largest food drives of the year.
Turkey Trot is Springfield’s largest timed 5K run/walk of the year and the largest Thanksgiving Day 5K in Missouri, attracting more than 7,000 participants in an average year.
The Turkey Trot isn’t for everyone (via @notmaeveransom/TT) #shorts
FAQ
How many miles is Turkey Trot?
- Torrance: The Harry Sutter Memorial Turkey Trot in Torrance is a 3-mile fun run
- Irving: The Irving Turkey Trot has an 8-mile race
- San Diego: The O’side Turkey Trot has a 5K and kids run
How long is Dallas Turkey Trot?
From its humble beginnings at White Rock Lake to the certified course in Downtown Dallas, the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot has always featured an 8-mile race.
Where does the money from the turkey trot go?
100% of fundraising efforts through America’s Turkey Trot® will go directly to World Central Kitchen. Additionally we are donating a dollar per registration plus an additional dollar per merchandise purchase. The America’s Turkey Trot raised over $40,000 for World Central Kitchen!
How long is the turkey trot in San Antonio?
The San Antonio Food Bank’s Turkey Trot 5K Run & Walk is more than just a race — it’s a Thanksgiving tradition of gratitude, unity, and giving back. As a quinceañera celebrates a journey into adulthood, we’re celebrating 15 years of growing stronger together as a community, making strides against hunger.
What is a turkey trot?
A turkey trot is a fun Thanksgiving tradition that has been around for over 100 years. It is a long distance foot race, usually between 3-13 miles, that takes place on or around Thanksgiving day Turkey trots first started in Buffalo, New York in 1896 and have since become one of the most popular races in America
What are turkey trot races?
Turkey Trot races are festive Fun Runs held around Thanksgiving. It’s all about community, getting healthy, and of course charity. Runners, usually donning holiday-themed attire, join in runs or walks spanning various distances, from a mile to a 10k. Unlike competitive races, Turkey Trots prioritize fun and enjoyment over winning.
What is the S3 Turkey Trot?
The Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot kick off America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White. The S3 Turkey Trot has been a tradition in Detroit for over 40 years! Much more than a variety of races (10k/5k/1 mile and combo events), thousands of participants dress in costumes for the event.
When was the first Turkey Trot held?
The first turkey trot was held by the local YMCA in Buffalo in 1896 It was an 8km cross country style race held on Thanksgiving day that only attracted 6 runners, with just 4 finishing. Over the next 20 years, more trots started popping up along the east coast and midwest.
Does Buffalo have a turkey trot?
The trot even has a “quarter-century club,” which includes about 300 people who have been running the race for more than 25 years. Buffalo is far from alone. Turkey trots have become a national tradition on Thanksgiving morning itself, or on the weekends before or after, in communities all over America.
How do I register for a turkey trot?
Simply register online at 42nd Annual Strategic Staffing Solution Turkey Trot Registration thru Monday, November 25, 2024. Can I register in person? In-person registration is available at our Advance Pick-up Locations by CASH or CHECK only.