Turkey Trot fun runs have become a popular Thanksgiving tradition across Arkansas, with participants gathering early in the morning on Thanksgiving Day and throughout November to kick off the holiday with an energetic start. These events, often family-friendly and ranging from 1-mile strolls to 5K or 10K races, bring people together to enjoy a bit of exercise before indulging in Thanksgiving feasts. With a combination of fitness, festive spirit, and community, Turkey Trots offer an inviting, inclusive way for runners, walkers, and even first-timers to be part of the holiday celebrations.
The appeal of Turkey Trots is multi-fold. For some, it’s a way to get in a bit of exercise ahead of a calorie-rich Thanksgiving dinner. For others, it’s the chance to gather with family, friends, and even pets in a fun, relaxed race atmosphere. Many Turkey Trots encourage participants to dress up in holiday-themed attire, like turkey hats, pilgrim costumes, or fall-colored tutus, adding a lively, quirky twist to the event. Many Turkey Trots are also organized as charity events, supporting local food banks, shelters, or other community organizations. Participants know their race fees and donations are going toward a good cause, allowing them to give back to the community.
With its emphasis on fun, tradition, and charity, Turkey Trot fun runs capture the Thanksgiving spirit, creating memories and a positive start to a day about coming together and giving thanks. Whether you’re an avid runner or simply looking to make new holiday memories, Turkey Trots offer something for everyone, adding a fresh twist to Thanksgiving morning.
Here is a list of Arkansas Turkey Trots this year:
November 10 –
Turkey Tracks – North Little Rock, AR – Join us for the annual Turkey Trails 5k/10k! A fun, Thanksgiving-themed event that is perfect for the whole family. The fun includes – Great Swag – a designer shirt & custom medal Chip-timing with live results and awards Free photos Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line Plenty of fun! Grab your friends and family, you…(more)
November 16 –
Ghost-to-Gobble – Conway, AR – Come out and join us on November 16th for the inaugural UCA Ghost-to-Gobble 5k, celebrating fall by uniquely combining Halloween and Thanksgiving themes! Can’t let go of Halloween? Wear your favorite costume! Can’t wait for Thanksgiving? Don your best turkey suit! Are you a Christmas-in-July kinda person? Wear an ugly sweater! *All participants will receive…(more)
November 23 –
Turkey Trot 5K – Siloam Springs, AR – 5K running race in Siloam Springs, Arkansas THE INTERSECTION OF WASHINGTON AND MAIN STREET Address of the closest building is 305 E. Main St, Siloam Springs AR 72761…(more)
Saline County Strider Turkey Trot 5K – Benton, AR – Get Ready to Gobble Till You Wobble at the 1st Annual Turkey Trot 5K! 🦃 Date: November 23, 2024 ⏰ Time: 8:00 AM 📍 Race Start: Corner of Market & Sevier, Benton 📍 Packet Pickup: 200 N. Market St., First United Methodist Church, Benton 🏃♀️ Hosted by the Saline County Striders Run/Walk Club Run for History, Run for Fun, Run for the Future!…(more)
2024 BAC Turkey Trot 5K – Beebe, AR – Beebe Athletic Club will be hosting the 5th annual 5K Turkey Trot Race on November 23rd, 2024 @ 8 am. This event will be a chip-timed race. This is a fun family event. Open registration to all Levels of racers. This is a flat well-marked course. Lots of prizes and giveaways at the end…(more)
Turkey Trails – Fayetteville, AR – Join us for the annual Turkey Trails 5k/10k! A fun, Thanksgiving-themed event that is perfect for the whole family. The fun includes – Great Swag – a designer shirt & custom medal Chip-timing with live results and awards Free photos Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line Plenty of fun! Grab your friends and family, you…(more)
THANKSGIVING DAY!
Bentonville Gobbler 5k – Bentonville, AR – Join us this year at the 3rd annual Gobbler Family 5k and Run Fun! Professionally Timed, Medals and waters for all finishers, and a perfect opportunity to run off some pre-Thanksgiving food…(more)
14th Annual Downtown Springdale Turkey Trot – Springdale, AR – Join the RedDog Club on Thursday, November 28 to support the Springdale High School Bulldog Football program. This race event features a 5K, and 1 mile fun run. All races begin at Turnbow Park, 106 E. Emma Avenue, and the race route utilizes the Razorback Greenway. This year, finishers of all races will receive a medal. 5k and fun…(more)
2024 Turkey Trot 5k and Gobble Wobble Kids Mile – Conway, AR – Join us for the 10th Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5k & Gobble Wobble Kids Mile benefitting the United Way of Central Arkansas. The tradition continues in Conway on Thanksgiving morning, and we are back at UCA’s Estes Stadium For 2024. We are starting on the UCA campus in front of Estes Football Stadium just off Bruce Street. You…(more)
Cabot Turkey Trot – Presented by Blueprint Construction – Cabot, AR – Join us for the 2nd Annual Cabot Turkey Trot—a community event that we hope will become your new Thanksgiving Day tradition! This 3-mile family-friendly fun run and walk is the perfect way to kick off Thanksgiving with your family and the rest of the Cabot community. The Cabot Turkey Trot is a FREE event, but…(more)
The Gobbler – Little Rock’s Turkey Trot – Little Rock, AR – Gobbler Turkey Trot – NEW Location for 2024! This Thanksgiving, join us at the NEW location for the 13th Annual Gobbler Turkey Trot, hosted by Rock City Running at the MARKET PLACE SHOPPING CENTER, 11121 N. Rodney Parham Rd., Suite 37B, Little Rock, AR 72212. While we’ve moved from Hillcrest and The Heights, you’ll still have three or four course options to…(more)
Ken Freeman Huff, Puff, then Stuff 5K – Hot Springs, AR – Earn that Thanksgiving Day stuffing by bringing the whole family and all your friends out to participate in the Thanksgiving morning turkey trot 5K in scenic and historic Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. The race takes place on the Hot Springs Greenway, starting and ending at the Transportation Depot. All participants will receive a pair…(more)
Turkey Trot-n-Trek – Fayetteville, AR – Join us for a new family tradition! Before you gather to eat, gather to move with your feet! This family-friendly event has something for everyone. Beginning at Ozark Natural Foods in Downtown Fayetteville choose either a 5k “trot” or 1k “trek” perfect for families and little ones! This new course will be everything we…(more)
SDIA Turkey Trot for Heroes – Rogers, AR – Held every Thanksgiving morning, our Turkey Trot for Heroes 5K is an exciting event that garners the full support of local runners, running organizations, and our communities. In addition to the traditional 5K run, we have a Wild Gobbler 5K (a 5K with 5 stations of exercises throughout the route dedicated to Fallen Heroes), and a 1-mile Fun Run/Walk! We…(more)
DAV Turkey Trot 5K – Jonesboro, AR – Come and join us on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the Lieutenant Colonel Frederick C. Turner Jr. Military Science Building on the beautiful campus of Arkansas State University for the DAV Turkey Trot 5K! Registration begins…(more)
Make your plans now and remember the Jingle Bell Runs are just around the corner. The first one is coming up on November 17th in Fayetteville.
