Guide to Utah Turkey Trots & Thanksgiving Races

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Did you know that Thanksgiving Day is the most popular day to race of the whole year? That’s right, Turkey Trots are growing across the nation with everyone from competitive runners to families joining in on pre-feast dashes. While the race scene looks different this year due to the pandemic, many turkey trots are happening in person or virtually in the Beehive State in 2020. Did we miss a race? We’re only human! Send us the details at editor@sportsguidemag.com and we’ll add it to our list.

2020 TBA. November 3, WSU Swenson Gym, Weber State, UT

Looking for more than a run from your turkey trot event? Try Weber State Campus Recreation’s Turkey Triathlon, a 5K run, 10K bike, 300-yard swim, a reverse sprint distance to introduce participants to Triathlons. The race circles the Weber State Campus, and has beautiful valley views. Entry includes a t-shirt, race goodies, and the chance to win a turkey.

 

spectrum academy turkey trot

Spectrum Academy Turkey Trot

2020 TBA. November 9, North Salt Lake, UT

Support students at this fundraiser for Spectrum Academy, a charter school for students with autism. At this chip-timed 5K Race and Fun Run, the winners of each division take home a Thanksgiving Turkey! This year they’ll also be awarding the following: Top 5 Fundraising Teams and the Team with the most Registered Participants. 5K begins at 10 a.m. Fun run begins at 11 a.m.

Sandy City Turkey Trot 

2020 TBA. November 16, Lone Peak Park, Sandy, UT

Can’t trot on Thanksgiving? Take part in this pre-Thanksgiving Day 5K race in Sandy. The registration fee includes a race t-shirt. Shirt sizes will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, while supply lasts. Awards are given to the first three male and female finishers in each age division. Prize drawing at the conclusion of each race for all participants. Entry fee is $20 per person. Make it a family affair; there’s a discount if three or more register from the same household.

West Jordan City Great Gobbler 5K

2020 TBA. November 23, Gene Fullmer Recreation Center, West Jordan, UT

Come join for this affordable pre-Thanksgiving 5K and Kids’ Fun Run. Entries are just $10 per person!

10th Annual Turkey Leg 5K & Kids 1K

Thanksgiving Day 2020, Heritage Park, Farmington, UT

Come run or walk this 5K or 1K for kids. $20 registration includes a beanie and gloves. Kids’ K registration just $10 and includes swag. Bring cans of food to donate to the local food bank. Last year over 700 cans were donated!

Earn Your Turkey 4-mile Run, 2-mile walk, Kids Race

Thanksgiving Day 2020, Orem, UT.

Runner’s Corner & the Orem Fitness Center sponsor this most prize-laden Thanksgiving Day Run/Walk in Utah. Participants receive entry, post-race food, and have a chance to win turkeys and pies! Add on a long-sleeve shirt for $10. This Thanksgiving Day race also benefits Kids on the Move to provide services throughout Utah to children with special needs.

cold turkey run

Sports-am Cold Turkey

Thanksgiving Day 2020, City Creek 6K in City Creek Canyon, Millcreek Canyon 5K in Millcreek Canyon, Salt Lake City, UT.

Choose your canyon at these Thanksgiving Day races where kids, dogs, and strollers are welcome. Kids 1K held a half-hour before the main event at 8:30 a.m. at both race locations. Baby stroller division also offered at both locations. Turkey trots are followed by snacks, awards, socializing, and live music.

cottonwood heights thanksgiving day 5K

Cottonwood Heights Thanksgiving Day 5K

Thanksgiving Day 2020, Butler Middle School, Cottonwood Heights, UT

Join in on one of Utah’s oldest Thanksgiving Day races. This race is capped at 2,000 runners! Age division awards (1st-3rd) & overall Men’s and Women’s awards (1st-3rd). Strollers and dogs on leashes welcome. Beat the Mayor to the finish and receive a commemorative medal.

Utah Human Race

VIRTUAL FOR 2020. Thanksgiving Day, Draper Spectrum, Draper, UT.

Participate in one of Utah’s largest 5K/10K events at this Thanksgiving Day race. On average, 5,000 participants come to run and give to the Utah Food Bank. This year, first 5,000 receive shirts so sign up ASAP!

This family-friendly race is held in conjunction with Utah Food Bank’s statewide Holiday Food & Fund Drive and bringing canned foods along is suggested. Every registration fee raised from the Utah Human Race helps Utah Food Bank provide food and services.

pilgrim 5k 

South Davis Races Thanksgiving Day 5K

Thanksgiving Day 2020, Bountiful, UT.

Join Tom Turkey for another fun run! You might win a pie or take home a turkey. Turkey 10K, Family 5K, Gobbler 1K means you have multiple turkey trots to choose from at one location.

Thankful 13

Thanksgiving Day 2020, Jordan River Parkway Trail, Lehi, UT.

Go the distance at this Thanksgiving Day race on the Jordan River Parkway Trail. Choose from multiple turkey trots: half marathon, 5K, or kids’ fun run. Long-sleeve Shirt and Finisher Medals for all runners. Pumpkin Pie, Rolls, Hot Chocolate at Finish. Strollers are allowed in all races.

Due to current health concerns, the Thankful 13 team has created a virtual option for those that still want to run the Thankful 13 and participate virtually in Thanksgiving fun. Run virtually from your own home or neighborhood block. Check out our Virtual Thankful Run Option

The Gobbler Thanksgiving Day 5K

Thanksgiving Day 2020, Uintah Basin Applied Technology College, Vernal, UT.

This family-friendly event is a great way to show your THANKFULNESS by GIVING back to those in need. Fundraiser race. Start at USU in Vernal and run around the Bull on Aggie Boulevard. Whether you walk or run, you’ll be in good company!

turkey trots Utah

AF Turkey Trot

2020 TBA. Thanksgiving Day, Mount Timpanogos Temple, American Fork, UT.

Looking for a chill Thanksgiving Day 5K? Bring your family this year’s run/jog/walk that benefits Remi Hunt, a 3-year-old boy who recently had a brain tumor removed and is now receiving chemotherapy. The event is low-key (no timing chips or 1st place prizes), and is perfect for all ages. The suggested donation is $5/person (kids are free). There is NO pre-registration, just bring your donation with you.

The Lynden Legacy Turkey Trot

2020 TBA. Thanksgiving Day, Midway, UT.

5K family fun run through beautiful Midway, Utah. Welcoming to everyone from competitive runners to leisurely walkers and everyone in between. Kids strollers, bikes, and scooters are all welcome.

the gobbler

St. George Gobbler

Thanksgiving Day 2020, Confluence Trailhead, St. George, UT.

Hobble now, Gobble later is the motto of this Thanksgiving Day morning race that’s fun for the whole family. Choose from 10K, 5K, or 1K Kids Run at the Confluence Trail along the Virgin River. The Gobbler is raising funds for a great charitable partner this year in The Dove House. Racers go home with shirts.

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope to see you at these Utah turkey trots.

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About Author

Jenny Willden is the Managing Editor of Outdoor Sports Guide and a self-proclaimed gear and grammar nut. She's a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. A lover of adventure and travel, she's happiest when riding horses or snowboarding in Utah’s mountains. Follow Jenny’s exploits on Twitter @jennywillden or Instagram @jlwillden.