Health

Turkey Trots in DC, Maryland, and Virginia

Get in the holiday spirit starting this weekend, when you can run in a turkey trot for a good cause.

Turkey Trot Locations

DC

Virginia

Maryland

There are 15 Turkey Trots happening in Washington this month. Photograph courtesy of Turkey Chase’s Facebook page

DC

So Others Might Eat Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger 5K
When: Thursday, November 24, 8:30 AM
Where: Freedom Plaza (between 12th and 13th sts., NW)

Run to support the hungry and homeless in DC at the tenth annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger. Six thousand participants are expected at this year’s race. $23 to register until November 15, $25 afterward.

VIRGINIA

MVHS Cares 3rd Annual 5K Turkey Trot & Wellness Walk: Gobblepalooza!
When: Saturday, November 12, 8:30 AM
Where: Mount Vernon High School (8515 Old Mount Vernon Rd., Alexandria)

The third annual Mount Vernon High School Cares Turkey Trot will benefit the MVHS Cares Equal Opportunity Fund. Frozen turkeys will be given to the top two winners in age and gender categories. $30 for adults, $25 for 18 and under.

Boys & Girls Club of Manassas Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
When: Saturday, November 12, 8 AM
Where: Manassas Boys & Girls Club (9501 Dean Park Ln., Manassas)

Head to Manassas to help out the Boys & Girls Club of Manassas this year. The course will go through neighborhoods and parks in Manassas, and the one-mile fun run will take place on the Jennie Dean Elementary School track. $30 for the 5K, $10 for the fun run.

Vienna Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
When: Sunday, November 13, 8:15 AM
Where: Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (400 Center St. S., Vienna)

The James Madison High School band will host the ninth annual Vienna Turkey Trot. Proceeds will benefit both the band and the town’s volunteer fire department. Participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable foods. $30 for 15 and older, $25 for 15 and under. Free for fun run. Online registration closes at noon this Friday, but you can register the day of the race.

Free Your Gizzard 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
Where: Saturday, November 19, 9 AM
Where: Ida Lee Recreation Center (60 Ida Lee Dr., Leesburg)

Win a free turkey at the ninth annual Free Your Gizzard cross-country 5K and one-mile fun run. Participants are encouraged to bring two cans of food, which will be donated to the Loudon Interfaith Relief food bank. The race starts and finishes at the gazebo in the front field of Ida Lee Park. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers of the 5K for each age category. Fees vary.

Giving Thanks 5K
Where: Thursday, November 24, 8 AM
When: Centennial Park (131 Church St., NE, Vienna)

Vienna’s second Thanksgiving race will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. There will be a 5K for both runners and wheelchair participants, as well as a one-mile walk. $30 to register by November 20, $40 by November 24. Register here.

Virginia Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, November 24, 8 AM
Where: Virginia Run Community Center (15355 Wetherburn Ct., Centreville)

The 23rd annual Virginia Run Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K run and 2K walk will raise funds for Life With Cancer, which offers support for those affected by the disease. $30 for the 5K, $20 for the 2K.

Arlington Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, November 24, 8 AM
Where:Christ Church of Arlington (3020 N. Pershing Dr. at Highland, Arlington)

Proceeds from the Arlington Turkey Trot will go towards the Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless, Doorways for Women & Families, and the Arlington Food Assistance Center. Last year, participants raised $33,000 for the charities. $26 for adults, $16 for children ages 6 to 17, free for those under 6.

Alexandria Turkey Trot 5-Mile
When:Thursday, November 24, 10 AM
Where: George Washington Middle School (1005 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria)

This year, the 36th annual Alexandria Turkey Trot starts just two blocks from the Braddock Metro station. Funds raised will benefit the ALIVE Foundation. There will also be a stroller dash and a doggie dash. $20 for adults, $15 for ages 13 to 20, and $5 for children under 13.

Gingerbread Man Mile
When: Friday, November 25, 8 AM
Where: Reston Town Center (11900 Market St., Reston)

Potomac River Running is wasting no time jumping into the holiday season after Thanksgiving with its Gingerbread Man Mile for Kids. The run covers a one-mile route around Reston Town Center, and afterward kids can enjoy gingerbread cookies and the Reston Town Center holiday festival, complete with a parade and tree-lighting. Free.

MARYLAND

Fort Meade Run Series Turkey Trot 5K Run/Fun Walk
When: Saturday, November 12, 8 AM
Where: Murphy Field House (6330 Broadfoot Rd., Fort Meade)

Out of town for Thanksgiving? Get your Turkey Trot fix this weekend at the Fort Meade Turkey Trot 5K run and fun walk. Online registration is closed, but you can still register the day of the race. Participants are encouraged to bring canned goods. $10 to register.

Potomac Valley Track Club Cranberry Crawl 5K and 10K

When: Saturday, November 19, 7:50 AM
Where: East Potomac Park (Hains Point, 972 Ohio Dr., Potomac)

If you want more of a challenge than a 5K, this race offers a 10K option, too. Winners will receive cranberry bread loaves. Fees vary.

Laurel Turkey Trot
When: Thursday, November 24, 8 AM
Where: The First United Methodist Church of Laurel (424 Main St., Laurel)

The seventh annual Laurel Turkey Trot will feature a 5K and a one-mile fun run. Funds raised will benefit the Laurel Advocacy Referral Services, which assists low-income families and the homeless. $25 until November 11, $30 after.

Turkey Chase Bethesda–Chevy Chase YMCA

When: Thursday, November 24, 8:30 AM
Where: 9401 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda

The 29th annual Turkey Chase draws thousands of runners in support of the YMCA’s Youth and Family Services and the Bethesda–Chevy Chase Rotary Club Foundation. There will be a 10K, a two-mile fun run/walk, and a 50-meter “tot trot” for kids 8 and under. Fees vary.

Turkey Burnoff 5-Mile/10-Mile
When: Saturday, November 26, 10 AM
Where: Seneca Creek State Park (11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg)

Here’s your chance to shed those extra pounds you gained from a day spent eating turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie. The Turkey Burnoff offers a 10-miler, a 5-miler, and a 2K fun run. Registration is race-day only. Free for members of the Montgomery County Road Runners Club, $10 for nonmembers 18 and over, and $5 for nonmembers under 18.