2023 turkey trots in philadelphia

Get ready, runners, because this November, the Turkey Trot races are back. Interested in racing to the finish line this year? Whether it’s your first or 50th time enjoying a Turkey Trot, keep reading to see where to join a run near Philadelphia.

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Turkey Trot: An American Tradition

Turkey Trots are long-distance running races that take place on or before Thanksgiving Day. These events are popular across the U.S. among runners and non-runners of all athletic abilities. Fun fact: Turkey Trot races have been around since the late 1800s! 

Some notable Turkey Trot runs have taken place in Philadelphia throughout history, such as the Schuylkill Navy Run in 1899. Today, there are still plenty of Turkey Trot events across the greater Philly area that attract crowds to celebrate a holiday that involves food and family.

Here’s a list of some of the major Turkey Trot events in Philadelphia for 2023.

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Thanksgiving Day Runs and Turkey Trots in Philly

Whether you want to run a 5k or a quick 5-mile jog before you go home to feast, here are some running events happening on Thanksgiving Day!

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PHLY Turkey Trot 

The PHLY Turkey Trot to Benefit Face to Face takes place this Thanksgiving Day, featuring a 5-mile run and a 1-mile option. Proceeds benefit Face to Face, an organization that works to relieve poverty and loneliness throughout Philadelphia. 

Even if you don’t plan on racing, consider donating this year to the amazing cause.

Philadelphia YMCA Gobble Wobble 5k

The beloved YMCA version of a turkey trot, the Gobble Wobble, will be taking place at four locations across the Philadelphia area this year:

• Haverford
• Spring Valley
• Willow Grove
• Virtual options

Individuals, groups, and kids can register to enter the Wobble. Proceeds go to community members in need of financial assistance and YMCA youth fitness programs. 

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FS Investments Wayne Turkey Trot

This Thanksgiving, FS Investments will hold its seventh annual Wayne Turkey Trot, a Thanksgiving Day 5K run and walk benefitting the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the Radnor Township Police K-9 Unit and Philadelphia Financial Scholars. All proceeds will be donated to the Healthy Kids Running Series to support local youth with healthy fitness training. Register for the 5K!

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Seven Summits Therapy 5k Turkey Trot

Run a full 5k on Thanksgiving Day or enter your kids in the children’s fun run hosted by Seven Summits Therapy in Wayne, PA. This year, proceeds will be going to the American Red Cross to support Ukrainian Humanitarian Aid.

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Find a Turkey Trot Near Philadelphia

Open to finding a Turkey Trot outside of the Philly area? If you live in a bordering region or want to do multiple Turkey Trots within a 50-mile radius, here are some more options.

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Windsor Wild Turkey 5k

Beautiful Thanksgiving morning 5k run / walk and one mile kids run in scenic Marsh Creek State Park! Course is mostly packed gravel and road with some packed dirt and grass. Stroller friendly. Challenge yourself with hills on the lakeside while enjoying peaceful views of the state park. All proceeds benefit the Windsor Christian Academy Classroom Building Campaign! Register now!

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Peruzzi Auto Group BCRR Thanksgiving 5 Miler & 5k

Every year, the annual BCRR (Bucks County Roadrunners) Thanksgiving Day 5 Mile & 5k races take place. A lot of runners show up for this event and it’s a great way to make new friends while getting a run in before Thanksgiving dinner. 

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Running Off the Turkeys West Deptford 

Roam outside of Philly for the 5k Turkey Trot and 2-mile Wobble Walk on Thanksgiving Day in West Deptford, NJ. With more than five age group awards, there’s a chance to win the best time for the 5k portion of this race.

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Chester County Turkey Trot

Going on 21 years, the Chester County Turkey Trot 5k is a festive race to support childhood cancer research via Cure4Cam Foundation. Join Thanksgiving morning at Downingtown West High School. Strollers are welcome and tshirts go to the first 2,200 registered. Don’t miss it!

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Towamencin Turkey Trot

Prepare for thanksgiving with a warmup turkey trot on November 11.! The annual Towamencin Turkey Trot 5k Walk/Run is back with Chip Timing and a certified course this year!! We are excited for the top male and female runners to win a free turkey! Medals and special gifts will be given to the top three runners in each age category, top dog & the group/organization with the most runners who participate in the course. All runners will receive a free long sleeved tech shirt. Register on Run The Day!

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Medford Lakes Turkey Trot 5k

Enjoy Thanksgiving Day with the Medford Lakes Colony Turkey Trot which has been going on for 50 years now! Top male and female prizes will be awarded for multiple age groups, and there will be same-day winning results available online.  

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Run Another Philadelphia Turkey Trot in November 

There are plenty of running events in November, even if they don’t fall on Thanksgiving Day. If you want to skip the races on November 24th, here are some other Turkey Trots and races throughout the month to celebrate Fall.

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Two Town Turkey Trot

Before you sit down to your Thanksgiving feast this year, work off some pre-dinner calories at the 8th Annual Two Town Turkey Trot! The streets of Lambertville, New Jersey and New Hope, Pennsylvania will fill with runners working up an appetite for their turkey dinners this Thanksgiving morning as the Greater Lambertville Chamber of Commerce holds the 5-kilometer Two Town Turkey Trot and 1-mile health walk. Proceeds will support the Chambers’ programs and Fisherman’s Mark, a local non-profit organization that serves those in need in all of the Delaware River Towns communities.

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Philadelphia Canoe Club Turkey Trot

Join the Philadelphia Canoe Club on November 19th for an evening Turkey Trot, followed by a potluck, dancing, and music. Bring a dish to share or pay to register in advance so you can meet some fellow athletes, canoe enthusiasts, and families.

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Phoenixville Burn Off the Bird 5k

A family-tradition-turned-community-event Burn Off the Bird in the Phoenixville area is a fun, intense race before Thanksgiving Day! Join runners on November 25th for the 5K and November 26th for the Leftovers Run!

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St. Bernadette Turkey Trot 5k and 1-Mile Run

St. Bernadette School in Drexel Hill is hosting its 14th annual 5k run on November 19th. It will be professionally timed by Bryn Mawr Racing. 

Bring the whole family and sign up for their 1-mile race option or enter your kids into the 10 and under Dumpling Dash. Registration ends November 1st.

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Philadelphia Races

On December 9th the Wizard Run is returning to Philadelphia. The Wizard Run was last in Philly during 2019 and saw around two thousand runners make magic in Chestnut Hill. Keep the turkey trot vibes running with the Wizard Run Philly on December 9th!

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Philadelphia Runners Community: Get Involved

If you want to stay involved with running events in the Greater Philadelphia area all year long, we’ve got you. Sign up for the Rundown Newsletter and stay in the know of all things running!