Each year around the last week of November people from all over the United States (and California) take a day off to celebrate the heritage of a nation. How do they do it? By declaring Thanksgiving Day as a day paying homage to the founding of a nation and its rich bounty.

In its current translation of an event that was started by pilgrims, Thanksgiving is a day of watching football games, over-eating big meals and closing all the stores the day before Black Friday when everyone is supposed to go out and buy Christmas gifts. Not everyone wants to sit around the table eating turkey and getting fattened for the "kill" so an amazing and popular event has sprung out of the need for healthier living in what is traditionally considered a day of binge and overeating. Turkey Trots and Turkey Runs poke fun at the favored Thanksgiving meal as people take to the streets and paths to exercise. Here are some events we've found throughout the State!

Turkey Trots

 BENICIA: 'Hand Up' Thanksgiving Turkey Trot & Costume Contest Date: Usually held on Thanksgiving Day!

FAIRFIELD: Thanksgiving Day Solano Turkey Trot & Kids' Fun Run Date: Usually held on Thanksgiving Day!

BELMONT SHORE (LONG BEACH): Turkey Trot 5 & 10 K Run Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
 Annual beach location running event on Thanksgiving Day is a fundraiser for causes. No native American costumes. Registration $40-45 approx. is online or in person. See justinrudd.com

BIG BEAR LAKE: Turkey Trot Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
 Meadow Park 41220 Park Ave. Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 $45 approx., bigbearturkeytrot.com Big Bear Turkey Trot and Costume Contest includes 3 mile, 6 mile, and 9 mile Road Runs on Thanksgiving Day. The course is a relatively flat 3 mile loop through the neighborhood of Eagle Point, with 6 mile runners completing 2 laps and 9 mile runners completing 3, making it easy for all abilities to participate.

CLAREMONT: Claremont Sunrise Rotary Turkey Trot Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  7:30 a.m. $30-50 claremontturkeytrot.org This race starts and finishes at Claremont College. Last year there were 1,800 runners!

CORONADO: Coronado 5K Turkey Trot Thursday, November 23, 2023
Approx. time  8 a.m. Tidelands Park, 2000 Mullinex Dr. Coronado, CA 92118. $20-50 approx. coronadoturkeytrot.com Coronado Unit of the Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary. All net proceeds benefit Rady Children's Hospital.

DANA POINT Turkey Trot 5 & 10K Race and Costume Contest Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  6-11 a.m. Dana Point Harbor 34624 Golden Lantern Dana Point, California 92629 turkeytrot.com $40 approx. Celebrating 41 years in 2019! The Dana Point California Thanksgiving Day Run with more than 10,000 participants is one of America's most scenic coastal runs hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Tour the beautiful beach, majestic cliffs and coves of Dana Point. Enjoy pounding surf, rugged cliffs, and cool ocean breezes as you sail through the Dana Point Marina, Doheny State Park and pass the Historic Tallship Pilgrim moored in Dana Point Harbor. From beginners to elite runners, this event is for everyone!

ELK GROVE: Gobble Wobble Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8 a.m.-12 p.m. California Correctional Health 8280 Longleaf Dr. Elk Grove, CA $, elkgrovegobblewobble.itsyourrace.com Start your Thanksgiving morning with a 5K or 10K run, and bring the kids for their own ¼ mile fun run. Elk Grove's Thanksgiving morning tradition has a new name and new beneficiary Chicks in Crisis. The Gobble Wobble Run continues the run event, but now benefits a local charity. 

ENCINITAS: Turkey Trot 5K/10K Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  7:30 a.m. D Street & S Coast Highway 101 Encinitas, CA $54-69, encinitasturkeytrot.org Run or walk on Coast Highway and take in early morning views of the Pacific Ocean during the 5K or 10K Encinitas Turkey Trot. Event includes a Costume Contest with prizes. Parking is available at the Encinitas Library, Encinitas City Hall, Coaster Station, Moonlight Beach, and surface streets on 2nd and 3rd Street.

FAIRFIELD: Solano Turkey Trot Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8 a.m. Solano Community College 4000 Suisun Valley Rd. $, solanoturkeytrot.org Annual Solano Turkey Trot 5k walk/run and 10k at Solano Community College. The main staging area for all race-day activities is at Solano Community College in Fairfield, California. Other race-day activities include food booths, awards and other fun activities for the entire family. In 2018 Turkey Costume Contest was added.

FALLBROOK: Fallbrook Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Thursday, Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  7 a.m. Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens 220 Grand Tradition Way 1588 S. Mission Rd Fallbrook, CA 92028 $35-50, fallbrookturkeytrot.com Event raises money for the Fallbrook Rotary Club Foundation.

FOLSOM: Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8:30 a.m. Folsom Lion's Park / Rodeo Park (Folsom Zoo/Library) 200 Stafford Street, Folsom, CA 95630 Folsom, CA 95630 $28-38, folsomturkeytrot.com Limited space, typically sells out

HEALDSBURG: Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
 at 8 am.   $, ultrasignup.com Healdsburg Running Company, 333 Center St., Healdsburg, CA Starts at the Healdsburg Running Company

HUNTINGTON BEACH: World Help Turkey Wobble Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  7 a.m.-10 a.m. Location: 21599 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach, CA $20-up, active.com  Kids 1K also. Timed runs -- select your time.

IRVINE: Orange County Turkey Trot 5k Thursday, Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  7:30 a.m. Irvine Valley College 5500 Irvine Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618. $30-50, runocturkeytrot.com/

JACKSON: Turkey Trot Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8 a.m. at Lake Tabeaud 6 miles east of Jackson. 2.7 mi. walk/run once around the lake. 6.4 mi. walk/run out-and-back. Entry: Please consider a Monetary Donation or a bag of non-perishable groceries. No tee shirts or registration. Interfaith Food Bank of Amador County $, FeedAmador.org

LA CAÑADA: Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8:30 a.m. Memorial Park La Cañada, CA $45 approx., cclcf.org The Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk has been a local tradition and a community favorite with families, athletes, and community supporters of all types for two decades. There's also a Kids Mile Run geared for children 12 and under.

LANCASTER YMCA annual 1K and 5K Turkey Trot November 23, 2023,   Antelope Valley YMCA event held at Lancaster City Park 43001 10th St. Lancaster, Ca $, ymcala.org 

LA QUINTA/ PALM DESERT: Thanksgiving Day 5K benefiting Martha's Village and Kitchen!  November 23, 2023 at El Paseo, Palm Desert marthasvillage.org

LOMPOC: Turkey Trot 1 & 3 Mile Runs November 19, 2023,  $25-35, cityoflompoc.com River Park run.... This event is geared for all ages and ability levels for people to experience a great 3-mile race. A T-shirt will be included with your registration and prizes will be awarded for 1st & 2nd place in each category. Location: River Park, Fitness Trail

LOS ANGELES: Turkey Trot L.A. 5K/10K Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8 a.m.-12 p.m. City Hall 200 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA $, turkeytrot.la  Plus 1K Widdle Wobble for the little runners in the family. Join 3,000 of your closest feathered friends on Turkey Day and run along historic Spring Street, Grand Park and the sights of downtown. The race starts and finishes in front of City Hall. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this event benefits the Midnight Mission. Parking at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave.

MODESTO: MJC Turkey Trot and Gobbler Walk Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
 8:45 a.m. Tuolumne River Regional Park 1200 Tioga Dr. Modesto, CA 95354 $15-25, runsignup.com | Proceeds benefit MJC's track & field & cross country program. Course: The 3.1 mile course is on a paved path with some grass and dirt is just for walkers, strollers and dogs allowed. Post-race refreshments will be available.

MORAGA: Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk MCC Turkey Trot Date: Usually held on Thanksgiving Day but CANCELED IN 2023!!!
Approx. time  8:30 a.m. Moraga Country Club runsignup.com/Race/CA/Moraga/MoragaTurkeyTrot 1600 St. Andrews Drive, Moraga, CA Annual MCC Turkey Trot Fun Run along the road and paths of the beautiful Moraga Country Club help raise contributions to the Food Banks of Contra Costa & Solano Counties

MOUNTAIN VIEW: MVHS Sports Boosters Spartan Turkey Trot November 23, 2023 spartanturkeytrot.com | mvhssportsboosters.org/turkey-trot Annual Spartan Turkey Trot 5k run/walk Mountain View High School Track, 3535 Truman Ave., Mountain View, Ca. Prizes are given to the top 3 M/F finishers of the 5k and the top M/F finishers of the Spartan Mile. Come out on Thanksgiving weekend to gather with friends, family and neighbors, to have some fun, celebrate the holiday, burn some calories, and support an organization making a difference for the kids in our community!

NAPA: Napa Valley Turkey Chase Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8 a.m. - Noon Napa Valley College 2277 Napa Vallejo Highway Napa, CA $45, runsignup.com Napa Valley College, along the Napa River Trail, Napa, CA Athletic Feat hosts the Napa Valley Turkey Chase, a 5K and 10K fun run and walk, plus kids' 100m dash on Thanksgiving Day. Participants can run or walk in the 5K or 10K.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD: Drumstick Dash 5K/10K Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8:30 a.m. Chandler Blvd. & Lankershim North Hollywood, CA $10-27 approx., drumstickdashla.com Over 1,200 participated last year at the annual Thanksgiving Morning. There are water stops located at select points throughout the race, in addition to post race food and water. This is a family event with runners opting to run, walk, and even push strollers.

NOVATO: Marin Turkey Trot 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Date:November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8:30 p.m. 1800 Ignacio Blvd. Novato, CA $25-55 approx., marinturkeytrot.com Bank of Marin Turkey Trot runs on the roads out and back through the beautiful Indian Valley College campus and along Ignacio Blvd and finishes on the IVC fields

OAKLAND: Oakland Turkey Trot 5K Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  7 a.m. Eastshore Park, Oakland, CA 94610 550 El Embarcadero Oakland, CA US 94610 $19-109, oaklandturkeytrot.org  Raise funds for Oakland Promise and art, music and fitness programs in Oakland schools.

OCEANSIDE: O'Side Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Morning, Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  6:45 a.m. Oceanside Civic Center 330 N. Coast Highway Oceanside, CA $28-55, osideturkeytrot.com Last year's O'side Turkey Trot attracted a record crowd to what is becoming an Oceanside holiday tradition. Be a part of a race that has it all - scenic and fast courses, great costumes, local beneficiaries, and a festive, fun atmosphere. The event attracts 10K participants from 460 cities and 46 states. All finishers receive a custom finisher medal, t-shirt, goodie bag, free photos and complimentary finish line refreshments.

PALM SPRINGS: Running Wild's Wild Turkey Trot Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8 a.m. 100 N. Palm Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 $, palmspringsmarathonrunners.org Iconic Palm Springs event starts and finishes downtown. Age group medals awards

PASADENA: Rose Bowl 5K Turkey Trot Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  9 a.m. race. R0se Bowl Stadium 1001 Rose Bowl Drive Pasadena, CA $30-35, rosebowlstadium.com | rosebowlturkeytrot.com Race or walk around the stadium grounds and Brookside Golf Course in the scenic Arroyo Seco. Event is all ages. Parking, Start-Line at North Lot K (Corner of West Dr. and Seco St.) Awards for top male, female, and dog finishers.

PIEDMONT: Piedmont Turkey Trot Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8:30 a.m. Exedra Arch Highland & Magnolia Avenue Piedmont, California 94611 $32-60, piedmontturkeytrot.com Join the fun and stroll, walk and run to start off your Thanksgiving morning. All are welcome including babies in strollers and dogs on leashes. Net proceeds benefit the PHS Cross Country and Track and Field Teams and the City of Piedmont's Athletic Facilities Preservation Fund.

RANCHO MISSION VIEJO: Turkey Trot on the Ranch Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8:30 a.m. Sendero Field 29201 Ortega Highway, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA 92694 $15-45, turkeytrotontheranch.com Benefits The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo |

RIO VISTA: 5K or 1/4 Mile Kids Dash Turkey Trot Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8-10:30 a.m. The Gym at Rio Vista 40 N. 2nd Street Rio Vista, CA $5-30, runsignup.com  Rio Vista's Turkey Trot is fast 5K course along the waterfront of our community. 100% of proceeds go toward supporting its High School Cross Country team. This is a perfect way to welcome Thanksgiving morning.

ROSEVILLE: Turkey Trot Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  9 a.m. 5k - 10k event Starts & finishes on Vernon Street Town Square $25-45 registration, roseville.ca.us Help Feed the Hungry -- Bring canned food donations to the Roseville Sports Center during packet pickup or Vernon Street Town Square on race day.

SACRAMENTO: Run to Feed the Hungry 10K, 5K Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8-11:30 a.m. Sac State J Street entrance to University Carlson Drive at J Street Sacramento, CA $20-50, runtofeedthehungry.com In 1994 the inaugural Run to Feed the Hungry was launched on Thanksgiving morning. This Sacramento tradition, boasting 30,000 participants, is not only the largest run in Sacramento, but also the largest Thanksgiving Day fun run in the country! Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) owns, plans and hosts Run to Feed the Hungry.

SAN BERNARDINO: Turkey Trot 5K,10K Family Fun Run Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  6:30 a.m. San Bernardino International Airport 295 N. Leland Norton Way San Bernardino, CA $20-45, sbturkeytrot.com Bring your family and friends to wobble before you gobble. Flat, scenic race featuring a 10K, 5K Family Fun Run and Kiddy Walk. Course starts and ends at San Bernardino International Airport, 105 N. Leland Norton Way, with the route going on Perimeter Road. Turn around is on Hangar Way.

SAN DIEGO: Father Joe's Villages Run for Hope Thanksgiving Day 5K Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  7:30 a.m. Balboa Park Spreckels Organ Pavilion 1549 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101 $30-45 approx., my.neighbor.org Annual walk or run through beautiful Balboa Park with your family, friends and furry companions. Enjoy a post-race festival including live music, a beer garden, optional pre-race mass and a meet-and-greet with characters. Proceeds from support Food Services program.

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Turkey Trot 5M, 3M and Kids Gobbler Chase 100Meter Thanksgiving Run & Walk Thursday, Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8 a.m. Golden Gate Park San Francisco, CA 94122 $, sfTurkeyTrot.com

SAN JOSE: Silicon Valley Turkey Trot Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
 Arena Green San Jose, CA $25-50, svturkeytrot.com Billed as Largest Thanksgiving Day Race in the nation. Takes place in downtown San Jose. Race Day Packet Pick Up Opens Costume Contest, 10K Wheelchair, 10K Run; 9 a.m. Kids activities begin in Family Fun Zone, and many things going on with the goal of raising funds for special causes.

SAN LUIS OBISPO: Gobble Wobble 5K Fun Run 2.5 or 5K Walk/Run Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8:30 a.m. LOCATION Avila Beach or Pismo Beach $25, slocity.org | slofoodbank.org/event/turkey-trot/ Gobble with a 2 mile walk. It's fun for the whole family! Benefit for the SLO Food Bank. Donate a non-perishable food item on race day for a free child entry. SAN MATEO: Gobble Wobble 5K, 10K, 1 Mile, Kids Dash Date: Usually held on Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8-10 a.m. Coyote Point Park San Mateo, CA $, arunnersmind.com/gobblewobble ARM up and give thanks!

PINOLE: Nitro Turkey 5K & 10K Run Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8:45 a.m. Point Pinole Regional Park 5551 Giant Highway San Pablo, CA $, brazenracing.com Costumes encouraged. There will be a 5K and 10K, as well as the Little Turkeys Race: a run for the kids (roughly 100 yards) against the Nitro Turkey. Ages 10 years and under attending with 5K/10K runners will receive free entry into Little Turkeys and receive special medals and a goodie bag. Nitro Turkey is also hosting a food drive for the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano and encourages every little turkey to bring at least one canned good on race morning. Thanksgiving-themed costumes for children and adults are highly encouraged! Walkers and families are welcome!

SANTA CLARITA: College of the Canyons Turkey Trot 3 Mile Run Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8:30 a.m.  26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd. Santa Clarita, CA US 91355 $25, runsignup.com The three-mile cross country course through the COC Valencia campus, begins near the Track & Field stadium and winds through the hills overlooking the Santa Clarita Valley, finishing inside Cougar Stadium. Sponsored by College of the Canyons Athletics Department, the public is invited to run, walk, or jog in the annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot benefiting cross country and track & field programs.

SANTA MONICA: Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon Thursday, Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  7:30 a.m. Santa Monica by the beach path 2000 Ocean Ave Santa Monica, CA 90405 $30-45, abetterworldrunning.com Clock timed (not chip timed) open course fun run consisting of counter clockwise marked loops

TORRANCE: Turkey Trot Fun Run Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8-10 a.m. Sam's Club Parking Lot 2601 Skypark Drive $30-40, torranceca.gov Annual Turkey Trot Harry Sutter Memorial 3 Mile Fun Run -- The City of Torrance Community Services Department invites the entire family to participate in our Annual Harry Sutter Memorial Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Fun Run. This three-mile fun run on Thanksgiving morning usually includes a commemorative Turkey Trot shirt for those who pre-register.

UPLAND: Upland Turkey Trot 5K & 1K Run Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8 a.m. San Antonio Park 2393 N. Mountain Ave. Mountain Avenue & 24th Street Upland, CA $25-35, uplandca.gov | racewire.com Start/Finish At San Antonio Park/Historical Waiting Station located at Mountain Ave. & 24th St., Upland. Prizes awarded 

VENTURA: Ventura Annual Turkey Trot 5K & Kids 1K Thursday, Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8 a.m. This loop course is fast and flat, participants are asked to bring non-perishable food items donated to Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Food Drive. The event takes place at the Ventura Auto Center on Hofer Dr between Ventura Toyota and Paradise Chevrolet. Parking is primarily off King Dr. $15-40, runsignup.com

VISALIA: Turkey Trot 5k Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  7:30-10 a.m. Visalia Emergency Aid Race Against Hunger at Garden St Plaza. $15-40, visaliaturkeytrot.com

WALNUT CREEK: Forma Gym Turkey Trot 5K/10K Date: November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Day!
Approx. time  8-10 a.m. Civic Park 1375 Civic Dr Walnut Creek, California $40-60 approx., raceroster.com Annual Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning tradition begins and ends at Forma Gym. It benefits Walnut Creek Schools! 5K, 10K and Kids' Fun Runs, which are all a perfect way to celebrate the holiday with your friends and family! Annual Forma Gym Walnut Creek Turkey Trot helps raise money for special causes. 

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.