There’s almost nothing better than a nice run before stuffing yourself with a Thanksgiving feast. It makes you feel a little less guilty indulging in that extra slice of pumpkin pie, right? We’ve rounded up the different Houston Area Turkey Trots (races and fun runs) going on during Thanksgiving, and as an added bonus – most of them have day-of registration. Lace up your shoes and get ready to have some fun!
Thanksgiving Day Races (November 23, 2023)
Gobble Run Turkey Trot Houston
Runs: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon
Location: Eleanor Tinsley Park, 18-3600 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019
Join the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Run, where you’ll be running off the Turkey before dinner and all year long! After the run, get a special Thanksgiving dessert Lara bar to celebrate!
Houston Turkey Day 5K
Runs: 5K, 1 mile Family Walk
Location: Hennesy Park – Downtown Houston, 1900 Lyons Ave, Houston, TX US 77020
In 2023, the Houston Turkey Trot was discontinued, leaving a void in our community’s holiday events. We are pleased to announce the CoolxDad Run is now officially the TurkeyDay5k – replacing a decades-old Houston tradition.
Katy Area YMCA Turkey Dash
Runs: 10K, 5K, 1 Mile Kids Race and 1 Mile Walk/Run
Location: Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch, 22807 Westheimer Parkway, Katy, TX 77494
The YMCA Turkey Dash benefits the Katy area YMCAs. Medals will be awarded to finishers of the kids’ race and the 10k race. There will also be a costume contest and a post-race party packed with food, giveaways, a photo booth, and kids fun zone.
Bay Area Turkey Trot
Runs: 5K, 10K; Kids 1K, 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run
Location: On the Run Clear Lake, 2427 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058
The 15th annual Bay Area Turkey Day runs through the beautiful neighborhoods of Clear Lake. The route is fast and flat for the competitive participants!
L3 Turkey Day 5k
Runs: 5k & Kids 1k
Location:Kingwood Town Center, 8 N Main St., Kingwood, TX US 77339
The L3 Foundation is in honor of a Kingwood boy named Landon who lost his battle to cancer. His friends and family continue to raise money for cancer research and keep his memory alive with fun community events like this one.
Lake Jackson Turkey Trot
Runs: 5k, 10k, & Kids Fun Run
Location: 100 Oyster Creek Drive, Lake Jackson, TX US 77566
Pearland Turkey Trot
Runs: 6 Mile, 4 Mile, Family 1 Mile, & Kids K
Location: 3449 Pearland Pkwy, Pearland, TX 77581
This community race allows you to choose your distance! It starts at Pearland Stadium on South Main in Pearland. There are various start times depending on the race you choose.
Run Through The Woods
Runs: 5 Mile, 3 Mile, & 1 Mile
Location: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands, TX
The annual YMCA Run through the Woods is one of the most popular races in the area. All participants will receive a goodie bag, t-shirt and finisher medal. Post race activities include complimentary refreshments, kids activities and more. Costumes are encouraged!
31st Annual Sugar Land Turkey Trot
Runs: 5 Mile, Kids’ Mile, & 2.8 Mile Family Fun Walk & Jog
Location: Sugar Creek Village, 13897 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478
This Turkey Trot has been a family tradition for many for decades in the Sugar Land area. The Kids’ Mile is named after Sean Scroggins, a child who placed in the race years ago, but later lost his battle with leukemia. His family is part of the race each year.
Coles Crossing Turkey Trot
Runs: 5K run/walk
Location: Coles Crossing, Cypress, TX
Join in this Thanksgiving Day tradition of the Annual Coles Crossing Turkey Trot, a 5k run\walk. The Turkey Trot starts at 8am at the Lap Pool. The first 600 registered finishers will receive a commemorative medal. Bring the whole family out for some fun before the big feast!
Please Note: While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and event details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can make every attempt to correct them. And if you know of any other Houston area Turkey Trots this month, include them in the comments to keep the list going!