What Time Does the Turkey Trot Start? A Guide for First-Time TrottersAs Thanksgiving approaches, one of the most popular Turkey Day traditions nationwide is the Turkey Trot – fun holiday footraces that attract runners of all levels to hit the pavement on the morning of Thanksgiving But if you’re new to trotting, you may be wondering, what time does the Turkey Trot start?
Turkey Trots can range in start times based on the specific race but most kick off early in the morning before participants sit down for their big feasts later that day. Typical Turkey Trot start times are between 8-10 AM, though some can be earlier or later depending on the organizers.
As a first-time trotter, it’s important to research when your local Turkey Trot begins so you can properly prepare. Here’s a helpful guide to Turkey Trot start times so you can gobble up those miles without missing the kickoff:
Check the Race WebsiteThe best place to find start times is the official race website. Most list key details like start time and location right on the homepage. For instance the YMCA Turkey Trot in Buffalo NY clearly states a 9 AM start.
Websites also often have FAQs or race day info pages covering logistics like when gear check opens and when the start closes. Many races close the start line 15-30 minutes pre-race, so don’t cut it too close!
Read Pre-Race Emails
Pre-race emails from the race director frequently include important reminders about start times, packet pickup, parking and more. Click any links provided for additional details. A Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot email confirms an 8 AM start, noting that streets close at 7 AM – good to know!
Review Past Results
Looking up previous years’ results can provide insight into when the race typically kicks off. Search the race name and year to find details like start time and finishers. For example, the 2021 Buffalo Turkey Trot began at 9 AM sharp, likely the standard start.
Ask Locally
For well-known local races, ask running friends or neighbors if they know the usual start time. Veteran trotters will have inside intel to confirm or fill gaps not listed elsewhere. Social media and forums are great for sourcing this word-of-mouth wisdom!
Plan Your Schedule
When figuring out Turkey Trot start times, balance the race kickoff with your Thanksgiving schedule. Most trots start early so runners can finish with time to eat. Build in extra driving/parking time and expect crowds. Allow at least an hour pre-race for parking, walking to the start, warmup and getting to your corral.
Arrive Early to Confirm
If still unsure of the exact start time, get to the location early on race morning to check signage. Race organizers will have the official start displayed on banners, posters, etc. Scoping out the in-person signs when you arrive alleviates uncertainty so you can relax until the start.
Listen for Announcements
Another way to identify the start time is listening for announcements and the national anthem which is usually played 10-15 minutes before the gun goes off. When you hear the anthem and countdown, the start is only minutes away!
Follow the Race Hashtag
Lastly, follow the race hashtag on social media for real-time updates on start times and delays. Organizers and participants will post updates so you can stay informed.
The Bottom Line
Relax and enjoy the festive vibes on race morning! Turkey Trots are informal, family-friendly affairs. While start times are helpful guidelines, what matters most is gathering with neighbors and friends to move our feet before the feast.
Whether you’re chasing records or trotting in costume, Turkey Trots are the ultimate Thanksgiving Day kickoff. Just get there early, keep an ear out for start times, and get ready to gobble down some miles! From Buffalo to Dallas and everywhere between, the Turkey Trot tradition brings communities together – there’s nothing better.
Quick Answers to Popular Questions
The Virtual category closes Nov. 20 and packets will be mailed on November 22nd. Mailing or virtual options are not available after Nov. 20th. No exceptions.
NO DOGS are allowed on the 5k, 10k or Widdle Wobble course.
Stroller on the course? Yes, strollers are aloud on the course. Infants in a stroller under the age of two do not need to be registered.
Change distance? Please go HERE to update race distance OR visit us at packet pick up to make the change.
Change 5k wave? Participants are encouraged to stay in the wave they are registered for. However, participants that need to change their wave start do not need to inform registration or event management.
5k awards and times with two waves? The 5k times are based on when participants cross the start line and finish line. The 5k awards will combine both waves. Overall winners will be announced on stage and age group awards will be available for pick up at the Awards Tent.
NO REFUNDS. Participants may transfer their registration to another person HERE.
Dog Jog Family Participation? All participants (humans) in the Dog Jog will receive a finisher medal and race t-shirt. Dogs will receive a bag of treats. All participants on the course must be registered.
Where do I pick up BOMBAS Socks? Visit The Midnight Mission tent in the expo to pick up BOMBAS socks.
Thanksgiving Day Schedule
ARRIVE EARLY! With so many people checking in on race morning, please arrive early to allow plenty of time to park, pick up race bib/t-shirt, and get to the start line. Race day packet pick up opens at 6:00 AM.
6:00 a.m. – Packet Pick Up Opens for the 5k , 10k, and One Mile Dog Jog located in Grand Park.
7:30 a.m. – Dog Jog Start
8:00 a.m. – 1st Wave / 5k Start – no dogs on this course allowed.
8:15 a.m. – 2nd Wave / 5k Start – no dogs on this course allowed.
9:00 a.m. – 10k Start – no dogs on this course allowed.
9:15 a.m. – 5k Awards for Overall Winners on Stage. Age group awards are available for pick up at the Awards Tent.
9:15 a.m. – Packet Pick Up Open for Widdle Wobble located in Grand Park.
10:00 a.m. – 10k Awards for Overall Winners on Stage. Age group awards are available for be pick up at the Awards Tent.
10:15 a.m. – Widdle Wobble Start – no dogs on this course allowed.
11:00 a.m. – Course Closed
Turkey Trot: a serious running documentary
FAQ
How early should I get to Turkey Trot?
Q: How early do I need to be there? A: If you attend packet pick up we suggest you arrive 20-25 min prior your start time. If you’re picking up your packet or registering race morning, you should allow 30-40 min. Traffic can be unpredictable with everyone trying to arrive at 7:30 into a small campus.
What time does Dallas Turkey Trot start?
TIMED – 8 Mile or 5K Run/Walk Closed
The TIMED start takes off at 8:30 am or 9:00 am and will include an exclusive, timed Participant Corral for this 8 mile or 5K run/walk. Only timed participants will be allowed in this area prior to the 8:30 am start time.
When did the Turkey Trot start?
| Name | Location | Inaugural race |
|---|---|---|
| Dana Point Turkey Trot | Dana Point, California | 1977 |
| Feaster Five Road Race | Andover, Massachusetts | 1988 |
| Hyde Park Pilgrim Run | Kansas City, Missouri | |
| Invesco QQQ Half Marathon | Atlanta, Georgia |
Where does the Detroit Turkey Trot start?
The 5K Stuffing Strut starts on Griswold and Fort St. at 8:30am (about 0.3 mile away).
What time does the Turkey Trot 10K start?
The Turkey Trot 10K (6.2 miles) – The 10K race starts at the same place (Esplanade Way) and time (8:30 a.m.) as the 5K. It runs the same route as the 5K and the 15K for the first two miles. Runners may change races any time during those first 2 miles as long as they are careful to run the entire race and do not knock anyone down.
What is the length of a typical Turkey Trot race?
Turkey trots are traditional races that began in New Orleans, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Dallas, with Dallas having over 20,000 runners. Most Turkey Trot races range from 3.1 miles (5K) to 8 miles. So, what makes a turkey trot different from other fun runs?
What time does the CSI Turkey Trot start?
TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — In celebration of Thanksgiving, the College of Southern Idaho is hosting their annual 5K (run and walk) Turkey Trot Thursday morning. For the last seven years, CSI has hosted the annual event on Thanksgiving morning. This year, the Turkey Trot starts at 9 a.m. from the CSI Expo Center parking lot.
What is a turkey trot?
It is a family-friendly race, where you can race, walk, run, and gather socially to get some healthy exercise. Our organizers, Dana Bradley, Corinne Lexer, and Jared Key came together to create this event in 2018 after Dana formed an unofficial Turkey Trot from a Facebook post on Thanksgiving 2017.
When is the Turkey Trot Festival?
Participants may pick up their race number and shirt (if they purchased one) at the Turkey Trot Festival on Sunday,November 20, at Goodwood Museum & Gardens (1600 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL) from 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
What is the YMCA Turkey Trot?
Open to ages 4 – 99. Join us in celebrating the running of the 130th annual YMCA Turkey Trot. The YMCA Turkey Trot is an 8K (4.97 mile) road race held annually on Thanksgiving morning in the City of Buffalo. Known to be the oldest consecutively run footrace in the WORLD, the YMCA Turkey Trot is celebrating its 129th start this November!