Kick Off Thanksgiving Morning With a Hudson Valley Turkey Trot

What's the joke? "Don't marry into a family that runs a 5K on holidays." It's funny for sure, but some actually enjoy hitting the pavement before a big holiday celebration.

Crazy idea, right?

With that being said, one of the biggest running holidays is upon us: The Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.

According to LetsRun.com, hundreds of thousands have registered in the past few years for their local Turkey Trot. They write:

RunSignup processed 538,611 turkey trot registrations in 2019, but that number plunged by 71% to 156,380 in 2020 as the pandemic caused most –but not all– in-person road races to cancel or go virtual. There was a sharp rebound to 617,915 in 2021 setting the stage for this year's record numbers.

Turkey Trots are usually made up of a 1 miler, 5K, or 10K and are a perfect way to raise money for local charities or collect food for local food banks. It's also a great way to make room for all that food you'll be eating later on in the day!

There's no shortage of Turkey Trots across the Hudson Valley. Below you will find a list of some of the most popular Turkey Trots in the region on Thanksgiving morning. If we missed one let us know, email Jess@HudsonValleyCountry.com and we'll add it to the list.

2023 Hudson Valley Turkey Trot Races and 5K's

The Cold Spring Turkey Trot - The 5K Turkey Trot is being relaunched by the Haldane School Foundation. The race will start at 9 am at the Haldane athletic track and "snakes through the village before ending back at the starting line."  With the $40 sign-up fee runners will receive a Turkey Trot T-shirt and "automatic entry for raffled Glynwood Grazed Turkey upon registration."

Ferncliff Forest 5K Turkey Trot- At 8 am runners will take their marks in Rhinebeck, New York near the beautiful Ferncliff Forest. The $35 sign-up fee makes it possible for Ferncliff Forest free for all to use year-round. The first 550 to sign up will receive a cotton t-shirt. Children under 5 are free, strollers are welcomed as are well-behaved dogs on leashes.

Saint Stephen's CYO Basketball Turkey Trot- This is the first ever (!!!) Saint Stephen's CYO Turkey Trot. Starting at 8:30 a.m. at St. Stephen's parish racers can walk, run or trot the 5K. All participants who sign up ($35 each runner) before November 1st will receive a long-sleeved shirt.

Mid Hudson Road Runner's Club Annual Turkey Trot- The annual Lagrangeville Turkey Trot consists of a free 1-mile fun run/walk for the kids, a 2-mile fun run/walk for adults ($20), The Joe Maggi 5 Mile Run/Walk ($30) and a 25K Run (15.53 miles, $35) that all begin at Arlington High School. The festivities start at 8:45 a.m. with the kids 1-mile run. This year there will be NO DAY OF REGISTRATION.

5 Mile Turkey Trot for The Marisa Fund- The Congers, NY Turkey Trot has become the largest running event in Rockland County with over 3,100 participants and they're excited to welcome more runners for their 32nd year. Your $40 registration fee goes to raise money for "research, treatment and care of pediatric cancer patients. David Goldwasser established the Marisa Fund following the sad and untimely death of his daughter, Marisa."

Family of New Paltz 5K Turkey Trot- The annual New Paltz Turkey Trot is held to support Family of New Paltz’s Food Pantry and Crisis Services. Runners will begin at Waterstreet Market Place at 9:30 a.m. Back this year is the popular Mashed Potato Fun Run free for kids 12 and younger.

Annual Turkey Trot - The Beacon, NY Turkey Trot is a 5 (ish) mile loop that starts at Memorial Park at 8 a.m. If 5 miles is too much, they also offer a 1-mile loop.

Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie's Grateful Gallop- This is a post-Thanksgiving run held by Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie at Stringham Park in Lagrangeville. 100% of the $20 registration fee will go directly to Dutchess Outreach. They will also be collecting donations for Dutchess Outreach such as:
Non-perishable food items that are at least 6 months from expiration and are in original undamaged packaging.
Diapers (any size) and baby wipes.
Baby formula especially Enfamil.
New & unopened personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body wash, and body lotion.