Thanksgiving 5Ks, or 3.1-mile runs, have been around since the 1910’s, when Yonkers, New York, had their first Turkey Day run. Ever since, Thanksgiving 5Ks have grown to be a nationwide ordeal, even in Central Florida. Some take place on Thanksgiving, while others happen throughout the week leading up to it.
Ritz-Carlton Gobbler 5K
Starting local on Thanksgiving Day, the Ritz-Carlton Gobbler 5K is teaming up with a non-profit organization, Safe Families for Children, to offer a scenic run across Ritz-Carlton grounds. The race will begin at 7:30 a.m., with check-in starting an hour prior. Upon completion of the race, there will be a master yoga class that ends with a relaxing sound bowl meditation.
A portion of proceeds from the race will benefit Safe Families for Children, which works to help keep families together in times of need. More information and registration can be found HERE.
Turkey Day 5K Tampa Bay
On Thanksgiving Day as well, the Tampa Bay Turkey Day 5K (a rhyming title) will start at 9 a.m. and will travel across the Upper Tampa Bay Trail. They encourage Thanksgiving-themed costumes and a family-friendly environment, welcoming runners, walkers, and turkey trotters alike.
Participants will receive finisher medals and race swag. Early sign-up is currently $45.99 and can be purchased HERE.
Dream Finders Homes Great Turkey Trot 5K
On Sunday, Nov. 22, Southern Hill Farms will host a Turkey Trot in Clermont. The race begins at 8 a.m., with awards at 9 a.m., and the kids’ race beginning 15 minutes after that. Participants will receive a race shirt, a finisher medal, and an apple cider donut from Southern Hills Farm. Children in the kids’ race will receive a race medal and a bib.
There will be photo-ops, and participants will be able to attend a post-race party with food, drink, music, and more for the family.
Southern Hills Farm is located at 16651 Schofield Rd, Clermont, FL 34714. For more information on registration and the event, visit HERE.
Turkey Trot Oviedo
At Oviedo Mall, an 8 a.m. race will begin on Thanksgiving Day. Registration and pre-registration will begin at 6:30 a.m., with both the youth and adult 5K beginning promptly at 8 a.m. Awards will be at 8:45 a.m., and a kids’ race without chip timing will begin at 9 a.m. following the ceremony.
Awards are given to the top three males and top three females in a multitude of age groups, ranging from six years old to 90. There will also be a Ruck Sack Division, where participants walk or hike while carrying a weighted rucksack or backpack. A staple of military training, there is a 15-pound division and a 30-pound division.
Medals and shirts are guaranteed for participants who register early and pick up their packet at least 10 minutes before race start. The race is a rain or shine event.
This event will be located at 1700 Oviedo Mall Boulevard, Oviedo, FL 32765 – Food Court.
For more information and to sign up, visit HERE.
Gobbler 5K, 10K, & 13.1M in Deltona, FL
On Saturday, Nov. 28, the Gobbler 5K, 10K, and 13.1M runs will happen in Deltona. A few days after Thanksgiving, this run gives the Thanksgiving dinner a few days to settle before getting back into action.
The race will begin at 8:30 a.m., and packet pickup starts 30 minutes before the race. It will end 10 minutes before the race starts. Participants are encouraged to register online before race day.
Entry starts at $33.80, including sign-up fees. There will be runner awards as well as a best costume award. The race is located at Green Springs Park, 994 Enterprise Osteen Road, Deltona, FL 32725.
For more information, visit HERE.
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