Gobble Up These Twin Cities Thanksgiving 5k Races
The holiday season will soon be here, which means it’s time for turkey trots! If you’re looking to get some exercise before stuffing yourself with stuffing, check out these fun runs happening around the Twin Cities over Thanksgiving weekend:
Turkey Day 5K – Downtown Minneapolis
This urban trot winds through the city streets starting at 8am on Thanksgiving morning.
The start/finish is near the intersection of Chicago Ave and Washington Ave, right in the heart of downtown.
No registration deadline so you can sign up on race day. Cost is $18 for 17 and under, $40 for adults.
Enjoy the Turkey Day Tailgate Finish Festival post-race with refreshments, music, and fun.
Drumstick Dash – Lake Harriet
Choose from four distances – a half mile, 1 mile, 3.14 miles, and 10K – all kicking off early Thanksgiving morning at Lake Harriet.
The half mile and 1 mile take place along the lake, while the longer distances explore the surrounding neighborhoods. No registration deadline but prices increase on race day.
Kids can take part in the Cranberry Cruise One Mile and Cranberry Kids Half Mile. Proceeds benefit Mile in My Shoes, a local nonprofit.
Beast 2 Feast – Lake Calhoun
Another Lake Harriet area option, this race features a KidsK fun run around Lake Calhoun at 8:40am, 10K at 9am, and 5K at 9:05am.
The courses follow the scenic path around the lake. Costumes are encouraged and strollers/dogs welcome.
Register by Nov 22 to save or take advantage of day-of registration. Proceeds support local youth fitness programs.
St. Paul Turkey Trot
Tackle a 6K or 10K starting along the Mississippi River near Shepard Rd and Eagle Pkwy in St. Paul. The course follows the riverfront path.
Starts at 7:30am on Thanksgiving. Long sleeve tech tee and finisher’s medal included. Funds raised support local hunger relief.
Turkey Day Trail Trot – St. Paul
Wind through the trails near Afton Heights Park in this chip-timed 5K and 10K starting at 8am.
Both courses are about 60% technical trail, 40% paved paths. Kids can take part in a 1K fun run at 9:30am.
Online registration closes Nov 21. Proceeds benefit neighborhood parks.
Chanhassen Turkey Trot
Run a 5K looped course and enjoy finish line cinnamon rolls at Chanhassen High School.
The race starts at 9am with a free Kids Dash for ages 5-12 at 8:45am. Long sleeve shirts for all 5K finishers.
Tonka Turkey Trot – Minnetonka
Take on a 100-meter Turkey Scoot or 5K Turkey Trot at Minnetonka High School. The 5K is a flat, fast course.
Register by Nov 19 to get a free “Love Your Melon” knit hat. Kids Dash also available. Proceeds go to Athletes Committed to Educating Students.
Fast Before the Feast – White Bear Lake
White Bear Lake’s Turkey Day event has a kids 1/4 mile fun run, 5K and 10K all starting and finishing at the Tri Fitness Training Center.
The USATF certified courses wind through the neighborhood. Food donations accepted for local food shelves.
ThanksGiving Day/GivingThanks 5K – Maple Grove
Run this 5K loop course at Central Park in Maple Grove then enjoy a tasty Irish breakfast and beer at the post-race party at Claddagh Irish Pub.
Costumes, strollers and dogs welcome. Supports local veterans charities.
Turkey Trek – Woodbury
Bring the kids to Colby Lake Park at 8am for the 1/2 miler fun run on the paved path, then take on the 5K yourself on the park’s scenic trails. You can register here.
Family-friendly event with refreshments after.
Get your gobbles ready and sign up for one of these festive, feathered Thanksgiving runs!
It’s a great way to get moving before the big feast while giving back to charity. Let us know if you have a favorite turkey trot in the Twin Cities!
