Turkey trots are a time-honored tradition for many families in Northern Virginia. Some happen the weekend before Thanksgiving. Others occur hours before the big meal. Rather than lounging around with your loved ones, hit the streets and preemptively work off some of those Thanksgiving calories you’re going to eat. Here are several options for you to trot about.
Dominion Valley Turkey Trot 5K
November 18, 8:30 a.m.
Choose from a 1-mile fun run or 5K race at this turkey trot benefitting Willing Warrior, a Haymarket based nonprofit providing paid retreats for injured, recovering, and disabled veterans. Awards will be given to the three quickest runners in each age group. Same day registration is available, but make sure to arrive at least 45 minutes before the start of the event at the Dominion Valley Country Club. Runners receive one commemorative T-shirt. 5350 Tournament Dr., Haymarket, $45 for 5K, $20 for 1-miler
Marine Corps Turkey Trot
November 18, 9:30 a.m.
Ready for a challenge? Take on the 10K turkey trot at Marine Corps Base Quantico. Registration fee includes a finisher medal and commemorative T-shirt. A 1-mile fun run will be held at 9:30 a.m. and the 10K at 10 a.m. Runners must pick up their packet the day before the event and must comply with Marine Corps Base Quantico’s pre-registration security measures. Be sure to dress up in your best turkey-themed costume. Can’t make it to Quantico? Register for the virtual trot. 3250 Catlin Ave., Quantico, $47 for 10K, $25 for fun run
Herndon Turkey Trot 5K
November 18, 4 p.m.
Herndon Parks and Recreation hosts its annual turkey trot 5K. Awards will be given to the top three runners in each age group, and runners should bring a canned food item to be donated to LINK, a nonprofit that provides emergency food assistance. Pre-registered runners will receive a commemorative long sleeve T-shirt. And don’t forget to get in costume — awards will be given to the best individual and group costumes before the race commences. Herndon Community Center: 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon, $40 for 21 and older until noon November 17, $45 on race day, $25 for 20 and younger before noon November 17, $30 on race day
Arlington Turkey Trot
November 23, 8 a.m.
Work up an appetite before your Thanksgiving feast at the 18th annual Arlington 5K turkey trot. Founded by the Rev. Brian and Diane Webster of Christ Church Arlington, this race attracts over 4,000 participants, with proceeds benefiting 18 nonprofits in Northern Virginia. Runners receive a commemorative T-shirt. Note: Registration closes at 8 p.m. November 19. 3020 N. Pershing Dr., Arlington, $50 for 18 and older, $25 for kids 6–17, free for children under 6
Gobble Wobble 5K
November 23, 8 a.m.
Start Thanksgiving with a dash of fun at this 5K race. Runners receive a T-shirt and finisher medal. After the 5K wraps up, the Mini Wobble Diaper Dash (3 and under, 50 yards) and Tot Trot (4 to 5 years old, 100 yards) ensures that everyone can take part in the fun. Registration ends November 22. 12400 Knightsbridge Dr., Woodbridge, $35 for 5K, $20 for Diaper Dash, $20 for Tot Trot
Lansdowne Turkey Trot 2023
November 23, 8 a.m.
Now in its 15th year, this 5K turkey trot and 1K fun run is perfect for the whole family. Runners receive a commemorative long sleeve T-shirt. Additionally, 1K runners will receive a participation medal upon completion. The proceeds will benefit A Place to Be, a music therapy nonprofit for the neurodivergent and differently abled, and Hopecam, a Reston-based nonprofit that helps combat isolation of child cancer patients through technology. No same day registration will be offered, so runners must register by November 17. Visa gift cards will be awarded to top three male and female finishers. 43459 Riverpoint Dr., Lansdowne, $20 for 5K, $10 for 1K
Alexandria Turkey Trot 5 Miler
November 23, 9 a.m.
Get your gobble on with 6,000 others, including some elite runners, at the annual Alexandria turkey trot in Del Ray. The 48th annual race supports ALIVE!, a nonprofit that helps the city’s needy. Bring two nonperishable food items with you on race day or make a cash donation when you register. Online registration closes at 6 a.m. November 23. Limited, in-person registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Participants receive a T-shirt. Race packets should be picked up ahead of time. Prizes are awarded to the top runners, including a bonus for a new course record. George Washington Middle School: 1005 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $27.50 online for those 22 and over, $22.50 online for 13–21, $12.50 online for 12 and under
Braemar 5K Turkey Trot
November 23, 9 a.m.
Run for a good cause this Thanksgiving at the Braemar 5K turkey trot. Proceeds from the event will benefit the STXBP1 Foundation, a nonprofit raising awareness of STXBP1 Encephalopathy, a rare neurodevelopmental condition and genetic epilepsy that affects 1 in 30,000 children. Registration fee includes a commemorative T-shirt and finisher medal. Participants must register by November 19, and pick up their runner’s packet in advance of the event. 12300 Iona Sound Dr., Bristow, $15
Feature image by CanvasPixelDreams/stock.adobe.com
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