DC
So Others Might Eat’s Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger
When: November 27, 8:30 AM Kids’ One Mile Fun Run; 9 AM 5K Run/Walk
Where: Freedom Plaza (intersection of 13th St. and Pennsylvania Ave., NW)
Join the organization’s 13th annual run to benefit the homeless. Money raised from the 5K will help provide food, clothing, and health care to those who need it in the District. Team signup is open through November 20, but individual registration continues until race day. $35 for timed participants, $30 for noncompetitive trotters.
Potomac Valley Track Club’s Cranberry Crawl 5K and 10K
When: November 22, 7:50 AM 5K, 8 AM 10K
Where: East Potomac Park
The park’s route is completely flat and accessible for walkers and wheelchairs. The club will serve hot refreshments after the race, and you’ll have the chance to win some tasty cranberry bread. Registration closes before race day, so pay the entry fee ahead of time: $10 by November 20, then $20.
MARYLAND
Bethesda-Chevy Chase YMCA’s Turkey Chase
When: November 27, 8:30 AM 10K; 9 AM 2 Mile; 9:45 AM Tot Trot
Where: 9401 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda
The largest 10K in Montgomery County is expected to attract more than 10,000 people from area neighborhoods and across the country. Proceeds will go toward YMCA programs and local Rotary charities for children and families. Registration is open through race day, and begins at 6 that morning. More information about parking, race fees, and packet pickup is available online.
Montgomery County Road Runners Club’s Turkey Burnoff
When: November 29, 9 AM 5- and 10-mile races; 9:05 AM fun run
Where: Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg
For a post-feast activity—once you finish digesting—take the scenic run alongside the park’s deer, which tend to emerge on race day. $10 for adults, $5 for runners under 18. Arrive early to secure a parking spot.
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run
When: November 27, 9 AM
Where: Fleet Feet Sports, 318 Sixth St., Annapolis
For the eighth consecutive year, Fleet Feet Sports Annapolis invites runners to explore the downtown on Thanksgiving morning. Dress as a turkey, bring your kids, strollers, and dogs, and meet outside the store. Upon attending the free event, participants are encouraged to make a small donation to the Bowen Foundation for Autism.
Race to the Rock
When: November 27, 8 AM registration, 9 AM race
Where: Greenwich Forest Triangle, Wilson and Hampden la., Bethesda
Nonprofit Eva Nepal’s ninth annual race will raise funds for education and dental care in Nepal. Wear a creative costume and bring an item you would’ve liked to have on the Mayflower, and you’re in the running for prizes. (Alternatively, you can just run fast.) Don’t want to run at all? Hope on your bike, skateboard, or scooter. $40 for adults (2.4 miles) and $25 for kids (0.6 miles), plus family and school-program deals.
VIRGINIA
Virginia Run Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
When: November 27, 8 AM 5K Run and 2K Walk
Where: 15355 Wetherburn Court, Centreville
Rain or snow won’t shut down this Turkey Trot, now in its 26th year. Compete on the USATF-certified 5K course or stroll for the 2K to raise money for Life with Cancer. Register for the 5K ($35) through November 26. If you miss the deadline, the 2K (varying prices) welcomes last-minute signups.
Arlington Turkey Trot
When: November 27, 8 AM
Where: Christ Church of Arlington, 3020 North Pershing Dr., Arlington
Christ Church is partnering with the Arlington Food Assistance Center, Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless, and Doorways for Women & Families for this ninth annual kickoff to Turkey Day. Last year, it raised $42,000. Feel free to wear a costume, bring your dog (on a leash), and push a stroller along the course. Pre-register online. It’s $35 for adults, $20 for kids, and free for little ones younger than six.
Alexandria Turkey Trot
When: November 27, 9 AM 5-miler
Where: George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
The DC Road Runners course is flat and fast, and culminates in an awards ceremony when the race is finished. Bring two nonperishable food cans or boxes to support Alexandria’s nonprofit ALIVE! $20 for adults, $15 ages 13 to 20, and $5 under 13 – prices increase for in-person enrollees on Thanksgiving, so be sure to register first online.
Fairfax Turkey Trot
When: November 27, 9 AM 4-miler
Where: 9330 Pentland Place, Fairfax
For the second year in a row, the four-mile family event aims to raise money for a local charity. This year, proceeds will benefit Warrior Canine Connection and Fairfax’s Alternative House. $35 through November 26 for adults, $20 ages 8 to 15, and no cost for children under 8.
Freeze Your Gizzard, Cross Country 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
When: November 22, 9 AM 5K; 9:45 AM 1-mile fun run
Where: Ida Lee Park, 60 Ida Lee Dr., NW, Leesburg
Leesburg’s parks and recreation department has teamed up with Loudoun Interfaith Relief for the 12th annual pre-Thanksgiving runs. The 138-acre park offers a cross-country race, with pre-registration through November 19. $25 for 5K participants, $10 for one-miler. Bring two cans of food on race day; if you wait until then to register, get there before 7 AM to sign up for $30.
