Run now, gobble later at these local turkey trots

Get ready to dash for drumsticks — there are seven turkey trots to get you up and moving on Thanksgiving Day around the City of Oaks.

Two runners/walkers dressed as turkeys crossing a turkey trot finish line.

This could be you crossing the finish line at the Raleigh Turkey Trot.

Photo provided by Precision Race

You know what they say: “A family that trots together stays together.” If this phrase rings true for you on Thanksgiving, we have seven turkey trots around the City of Oaks to give this holiday bird a run for its money.

Plus, if you’re not looking to get physical, most of these races need volunteers.

Freedom Ride Rescue Turkey Day 5K | $38 through Nov. 25 | Help raise funds for this foster-based nonprofit while getting active at White Deer + Lake Benson Parks in Garner — costumes, strollers, and well-behaved pups are encouraged.

Inside-Out Sports Turkey Trot 8K | $45 through Nov. 20 | Along with the 8K, there will also be a 1 mile fun run and a kid’s dash.

RALtoday_Turkey_Trot_Race_Run_Fall

Grab your sneakers and turkey hats.

Photo by @justrunandwrite

Leesville Community Turkey Trot 5K | $25 | Meet at the Harrington Grove Swim and Racquet Clubhouse to enjoy this run with “Roost Stops” along the way, benefiting The Murphy Scholarship Fund at Leesville Road High School.

Raleigh Turkey Trot 8K | $37 through Nov. 17 | Trot along Ridgewood Shopping Center + Meredith College to raise money for the National MS Society.

Folks waiting to run a turkey trot.

The Leesville Community Turkey Trot raises funds for scholarships at Leesville Road High School.

Photo provided by The Murphy Scholarship Fund

Skinny Turkey Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K | Pricing varies | Offering a distance for everyone, there will also be a one mile walk and a kid’s Drumstick Dash — all races start + finish at Wakefield High School.

Trophy Trot 5K | $45 through Nov. 25 | Enjoy a brisk morning run or walk through Dix Park — and reward yourself with a brew during the after party at Trophy Brewing on Maywood Avenue. Plus, you can make an additional donation to Healing Transitions.

Turkey Chase 5K, 10K, and 13.1 | Pricing varies | Appreciate the leaves at William B. Umstead State Park while traversing through the forest on a multi-use trail.

More from RALtoday
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
If you’re looking for plans to bring in the new year, Raleigh is bustling with events. Explore each event and plan where you’ll bring in 2025.
Sponsored
Raleigh restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, mimosas, and other brunch favorites you want to eat.
For the first time since 1990, you can back the Pack in the NCAA men’s soccer finals — and it’s all happening in Cary.
If you’re a fan of real trees over artificial, this list is for you. We’re highlighting 10 local spots to pick up Christmas trees in Raleigh, including home delivery options, pre-flocked trees, and NC-famous Fraser firs.
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
Hi Raleighite. It’s that time of year again — Spotify Wrapped is out, and so is ours. Ready to see how our year stacked up?
A grassroots effort is helping central NC properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.