Turkey Trots 2022: Guide To The Best In California This Thanksgiving (2024)

Shake your tail feathers! Run up an appetite, and join the turkey-day tradition while supporting local charities and causes near you.

Posted Tue, Nov 1, 2022 at 9:44 am PT

Registration is underway for 2022 Thanksgiving Turkey Trots, a turkey-day tradition for many runners, walkers and families throughout California — and often key fundraisers for area nonprofits.

Thanksgiving this year falls on Nov. 24. But do note: Not all races are scheduled for that Thursday.

So move your feet before you eat, enjoy family-bonding time, and support local charities and causes.

Peruse our annual guide to some of the best Turkey Trots in the region. Find runs and walks near you. And Happy Thanksgiving, from Patch!

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ANAHEIM:

NOV. 19: . With awards, bling, a flat course & pilgrim-themed entertainment.

NOV. 24: 'Plymouth Rock N' Run' Thanksgiving Turkey Trot: CANCELED. The Research for Cure fundraiser is not planned for 2022.

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ALTADENA:

NOV. 1-24: Five Acres Turkey Trot - Virtual. Run, walk or "treadmill" to support the organization's foster care, adoption, deaf services, therapeutic residential care & mental/behavioral health programs.

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BELMONT SHORE:

NOV. 24: . The annual "Hot to (Turkey) Trot in Long Beach" benefits the Community Action Team's charitable efforts.

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BENICIA:

NOV. 24: . Supports Tim & Jeannie Hamann Foundation serving patients fighting cancer.

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BIG BEAR LAKE:

NOV. 24: Big Bear Turkey Trot - Thanksgiving Day. With costume contest, too. Benefits local food pantries & Open Air Big Bear.

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BURBANK:

NOV. 24: . "Get ready for SoCal's biggest & best Thanksgiving tradition."

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CLAREMONT:

NOV. 24: . A scenic course through tree-lined streets of Claremont Colleges & historic neighborhoods.

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CONCORD:

NOV. 24: . Sponsored this year by Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union. With Kids' Run, too!

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CORONADO:

NOV. 24: Rady Children’s Hospital Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Typically sells out each year, so register soon.

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DANA POINT:

NOV. 24: . Flat, scenic course is perfect for families & all ages.

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DAVIS:

NOV. 19: . Multiple distances for every age group and ability. Fido can be part of this one, too!

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ENCINITAS:

NOV. 24: . Kick off your holiday with early morning walk/run along the beautiful Pacific coast.

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FAIRFIELD:

NOV. 24: . Supports Solano Hearts United, Meals on Wheels of Solano County & Suisun City Salvation Army KROC Center.

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FALLBROOK:

NOV. 24: Village Rotary Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot: Grand Tradition Estate. Start turkey day with 5K stroll, walk or run through estate & gardens and Los Jilgueros Preserve.

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FOLSOM:

NOV. 24: . Helps fund Twin Lakes Food Bank, Never In Our Town Youth Scholarship & trails.

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FREMONT:

NOV. 26: . Find your turkey feathers. Costumes encouraged!

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4S RANCH:

NOV. 24: . Helen's Closet provides comfort equipment to terminally ill ALS patients.

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GLEN ELLEN:

NOV. 25: Turkey Waddle Hike, Jack London State Historic Park. Sold out.

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HEALDSBURG:

NOV. 24: Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk. In quaint downtown & raises money for the "Live Like Drew" Drew Esquivel Scholarship.

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HUNTINGTON BEACH:

NOV. 24: . "On one of the most beautiful beaches in America!" Raises funds to help provide clean water to those in need.

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IRVINE:

NOV. 24: . Walker- & stroller-friendly, with slice of pie at the finish line!

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LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE:

NOV. 24: . The biggest fundraiser of the year for the Community Center & a favorite event for locals.

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LONG BEACH:

NOV. 24: . The annual "Hot to (Turkey) Trot in Long Beach" benefits the Community Action Team's charitable efforts.

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LOS ANGELES:

NOV. 24: . "Don’t miss LA’s best Thanksgiving tradition!"

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MAMMOTH LAKES:

NOV. 24: Mammoth Lakes Turkey Trot 2K. Family-friendly run with cider & cocoa at the finish line.

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MENIFEE:

NOV. 24: . For runners & walkers of all ages. Benefits Menifee Valley Community Cupboard.

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MORAGA:

NOV. 24: Moraga Country Club Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Contributions go to Food Banks of Contra Costa & Solano Counties.

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MOUNTAIN VIEW:

NOV. 24: . All ages invited. Benefits Mountain View High School's athletics, teams & clubs.

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NAPA:

NOV. 24: . "Race proceeds will continue to support local charities, who need your support now more than ever."

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NORTH HOLLYWOOD:

NOV. 24: . "Move Your Feet, So Others Can Eat" is the motto for this San Fernando Valley tradition.

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NOVATO:

NOV. 24: Bank Of Marin Turkey Trot. Register soon, as race typically sells out.

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OAKLAND:

NOV. 24: . "The best of Oakland awaits on Thanksgiving Day!"

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OCEANSIDE:

NOV. 24: O'side Turkey Trot. "With over two miles of beautiful ocean views & finishing near the historic Oceanside Pier."

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PACIFIC PALISADES:

NOV. 24: Palisades Development Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Back after a two-year hiatus!

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PALM DESERT:

NOV. 24: . Kid- and pet-friendly with expo, doggie stations, beer garden & kids' zone.

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PALM SPRINGS:

NOV. 24: Wild Turkey Trot 5K. Portion of proceeds supports Mizell Center's Meals on Wheels for homebound seniors.

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PASADENA:

NOV. 24: 5th Annual Rose Bowl Turkey Trot. "Trot before you gobble, and help preserve, protect & enhance the Rose Bowl Stadium!"

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PERRIS:

NOV. 19: . Enjoy a historic course along the Lake Perris Dam.

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PIEDMONT:

NOV. 24: Turkey Trot 5K Walk/Run. "Fast Turkeys, Slow Turkeys, Walking Turkeys and those pushing strollers or bringing Fido! All are welcome!"

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PLEASANTON:

NOV. 24: Tri-Valley 'Turkey Burn' Thanksgiving: Ken Mercer Sports Park. Community tradition also includes a food drive for Tri-Valley Haven.

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RANCHO MISSION VIEJO:

NOV. 24: . "Gobble up the scenic beauty and pick your own pace!"

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REDLANDS:

NOV. 24: . Course winds from Sylvan Park through the streets of Redlands & parts of the University of Redlands campus.

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RIVERSIDE:

NOV. 19: . The roller skate disco division is new this year and open to all ages & abilities.

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ROSEVILLE:

NOV. 24: Annual Turkey Trot - Thanksgiving Day. Non-perishable food donations will go to Saint Vincent DePaul to fight community hunger.

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SACRAMENTO:

NOV. 24: Thanksgiving 'Run To Feed The Hungry' - Family-friendly event & dollars raised go to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

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SAINT HELENA:

NOV. 24: St. Helena Hospital Foundation AHEAD Turkey Trot: Crane Park. Includes costume contest & pumpkin pie raffle.

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SAN BERNARDINO:

NOV. 24: . Course goes through San Bernardino International Airport.

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SAN DIEGO:

NOV. 24: . Helen's Closet provides comfort equipment to terminally ill ALS patients.

NOV. 24: Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Turkey Trot: Balboa Park. Provide funds for feeding the homeless through the organization's meal program.

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SAN FRANCISCO:

NOV. 24: . Runs include 5-mile Trail Trot & 3-mile Pilgrim Promenade.

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SAN GABRIEL:

NOV. 19: . Proceeds go toward enhancing youth programs.

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SAN JOSE:

NOV. 24: . With costume contest & kids' fun zone, too.

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SAN MATEO:

NOV. 24: . Kids’ Dash supports the Lakas Shimizu Foundation.

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SAN PABLO:

NOV. 24: . Course features bay views, plus canned-food drive will benefit Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano.

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SANTA CRUZ:

NOV. 19: . A run with spectacular ocean views.

NOV. 24: . In Soquel, with pumpkin pie for finishers! Supports Second Harvest Food Bank.

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SANTA MONICA:

NOV. 26: Adoption Project 5K Turkey Trot: Palisades Park. Money raised supports LevittQuinn's Adoption Project to protect vulnerable children from entering foster care.

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SANTA ROSA:

NOV. 24: . Includes games, fun & supports Redwood Empire Food Bank.

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SEAL BEACH:

NOV. 19: - Proceeds to help supply 300-plus holiday meals for families in need.

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SIMI VALLEY:

NOV. 24: Thanksgiving Day 5K. Course runs along Arroyo bike path & Arroyo Creek.

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SOQUEL:

NOV. 24: . Pumpkin pie for finishers! Supports Second Harvest Food Bank.

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SOUTH EL MONTE:

NOV. 19: . Registration underway.

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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO:

NOV. 19: Annual Thanksgiving Fun Run. A community tradition in its 49th year.

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TEMECULA:

NOV. 24: Harvest Honey 5K Fun Run. Hosted by Batch Mead with Mead Garden After Party featuring drinks, food, games & giveaways. Supports honey bee health & vitality.

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TOLUCA LAKE:

NOV. 20: . Fall festival follows event.

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TORRANCE:

NOV. 24: Annual Harry Sutter Memorial Turkey Trot Fun Run. Canned food drive and raffle drawing also planned.

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TUSTIN:

NOV. 24: O.C. Rescue Mission Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. Goal is to raise funds to provide 50,000 meals for hungry & homeless of Orange County.

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UPLAND:

NOV. 24: . Supports Upland High School Boys and Girls Cross Country Team.

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VENTURA:

NOV. 24: . Accompanying food drive to aid Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Food Drive.

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WALNUT CREEK:

NOV. 24: . Event includes Warriors Dance Team performance.

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AND CHECK OUT THESE THANKSGIVING RECIPES FROM PATCH:

• Pumpkin Pie Martini: The Perfect Thanksgiving co*cktail
• Fabulous For Fall: Creamy Pumpkin Hummus Recipe
• 'Burnt Husk Corn Salsa' Recipe: Fire Up The Grill!