Each Thanksgiving, local turkey trots encourage healthier living by hosting a fun run or 5K event to offset the focus on feasting.
In 1621, the first harvest initiated the annual tradition known today as Thanksgiving. A couple of centuries later, six runners changed the course of history again after completing the first long-distance run in anticipation of the upcoming feast. The tradition continues as turkey day runs, or turkey trots, are culturally ubiquitous.
Kick-start turkey trot season and find a healthy balance this Thanksgiving with our roundup of local fun runs.
12th Annual Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Run
Nov. 13, 8 a.m.
Loudoun Valley Community Center: 320 W. School St., Purcellville
Registration: $30-$35
Turkey Trot 10K or more
Marine Corps Base Quantico: 3250 Caitlin Ave., Quantico
Nov. 19, 8:30 a.m.
Registration: $5-$35
Freeze Your Gizzard 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
Ida Lee Park: 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg
Nov. 19, 9 a.m.
Register: $10-$30
Turkey Trot 5K Race
Herndon Community Center: 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon
Nov. 19, 4 p.m.
Register: $20-$35
Turkey Trot 2016
14th Street and Middleton Road, Fort Belvoir
Nov. 19, 9 a.m.
Register: $20
RidgeRunners Club Turkey Trot 10K Run and 5K Walk
Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Association: 12350 Oakwood Drive, Woodbridge
Nov. 20, 8:30 a.m.
Register: $25
28th Annual Virginia Run Thanksgiving Day Turkey 5K Run & 2K Walk
Virginia Run Community Center: 15355 Wetherburn Court, Centreville
Nov. 24, 8 a.m.
Register: $10-$35
Arlington Turkey Trot
Christ Church of Arlington: 3020 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington
Nov. 24, 8 a.m.
Register: $25-$40
Alexandria Turkey Trot
George Washington Middle School: 1005 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Nov. 24, 9 a.m.
Register: $5-$25
Fairfax Turkey Trot
Main Street and University Drive, Fairfax
Nov. 24, 9 a.m.
Register: $35-$45
Turkey Trot for Parkinson’s 5K Run/Walk & 1-Mile Gobble Wobble
South County High School: 8501 Silverbrook Road, Lorton
Nov. 24, 9 a.m.
Register: $10-$40
Giving Thanks 5K
Centennial Park: 131 Church Street NE, Vienna
Nov. 24, 8 a.m.
Register: $20-$40
Turkey Day 5k
South Lakes High School: 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston
Nov. 24, 8 a.m.
Register: $20-$40
Ashburn Farm 10K/5K
Crossroads United Methodist Church: 43454 Crossroads Drive, Ashburn
Nov. 24, 8:15 a.m.
Register: $15-$35
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