The Seattle Turkey Trot, one of the first in the area, began in 2007 with just a small group of friends in Ballard. Today, these traditions bring thousands together for exercise, community spirit, and holiday cheer. Many runs cater to all ages and fitness levels, and several give back to the community through charitable donations, making it a feel-good start to the holiday season.
Grab your running shoes and maybe a turkey hat—we’ve rounded up the best Turkey Trots in the area, from flat, family-friendly courses to scenic neighborhood routes. Each one offers a unique way to kick off your holiday festivities (and make room for that second slice of pie).
[Issaquah] Turkey Trot
🏃 Thursday, November 28th, 2024, 9 am start
💲 5K Run $40 early/$50 late | Kids (10 & under) $15
📍 SE Bush Street at 1st Ave E, Issaquah
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Average Finish Time: 40-50 minutes
This ultra-inclusive community event has raised an impressive $655,000 for the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank over 14 years! Stand out as the event’s most unique feature: it’s the area’s only Turkey Trot that welcomes strollers, dogs, AND kid bikes. Don your most creative costume for a chance to win prizes from local businesses. Form a team with family and friends to multiply the fun!
Accessibility: One of the most accessible courses – stroller, dog, and kid-bike friendly
Weather Plan: Indoor facilities available at Community Center
Registration Options: Online (preferred) or day-of (higher fee)
[Seattle] Thanksgiving Day Apple Cup 5K
🏃 Thursday, November 28th, 2024, 9:30 am start
💲 5K Run $30 early/$40 late | Kids $15
📍 Green Lake Community Center, Seattle
Difficulty: Easy | Average Finish Time: 35-45 minutes
Show your team spirit at this Husky vs. Cougar themed Turkey Trot! The 6th Annual Apple Cup 5K combines three holiday traditions: running, football rivalry, and Thanksgiving festivities. Sport your purple and gold or crimson and gray to help your team claim victory. This all-ages event offers youth pricing and financial assistance through their scholarship program.
Accessibility: Flat, paved course suitable for strollers and wheelchairs
Weather Plan: Rain or shine event
Registration Note: Price increases after November 21st
Tips Before Race Day
🎟️ Registration & Pickup
– Most races have tiered pricing – early registration saves money
– Check for registration deadlines (most increase after November 21st)
– Pick up bibs early when offered to avoid race-day lines
– Many races offer virtual options in case of illness
🎽 Gear Prep
– Layer up for Seattle fall weather.
Base layer: moisture-wicking material
Mid layer: insulating warmth
Outer layer: water-resistant shell
– Don’t forget gloves and a hat for early morning starts
– Get creative with turkey-themed gear (but test it on a practice run first!)
[Seattle] Turkey Trot and Kids Run
🏃 Thursday, November 28th, 2024, 9 am start
💲 5K run/walk $45 early/$55 late | Untimed $35 early/$50 late | Kids $25 early/$40 late
📍 E Lynn St & 25th Ave E, Seattle
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging | Average Finish Time: 40-55 minutes
Start your Thanksgiving with a gorgeous fall foliage run through the Arboretum! The 9th Annual Montlake Turkey Trot offers both timed and untimed options, perfect for runners and walkers alike. Wind your way through groves of Japanese Maples, Giant Sequoias, and the stunning Rhododendron Glen. Young runners can join the 0.5 or 1-mile kids’ courses.
Accessibility: Mixed terrain, some hills, not ideal for strollers
Weather Plan: Event proceeds in light rain, check website for severe weather updates
Price Note: Register early – fees increased November 1st
[Seattle] Brooks Trailhead Turkey Trot
🏃 Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, 8:30 am start
💲 Free (Suggested donation: non-perishable food items)
📍 3400 Stone Way N Seattle
Difficulty: Moderate | Average Finish Time: 35-45 minutes
Run for a cause along the scenic Burke-Gilman trail while supporting the FamilyWorks Wallingford Food Bank. This Turkey-themed 5k route combines city sidewalks with trail running for a uniquely urban experience. Post-run perks include coffee, donuts, and a chance to win Brooks gear in the raffle! Refuel options abound: head to Fremont Brewing for a celebratory pint or get your greens at Evergreens.
Accessibility: Mixed terrain, some trail portions not suitable for strollers
Weather Plan: Rain or shine event with indoor post-race gathering
Tips for Race Day
🚗 Getting There
– Plan to arrive 45-60 minutes before start time
– Check race websites for designated parking areas
– Consider carpooling or public transit (we’ve noted stops near each race)
– Many races offer bag check – bring a warm layer for after
🏃♀️ Course Strategy
– Start slow – most courses get crowded at the beginning
– Position yourself according to your pace (walkers toward back)
– Water stations are typically every 1-1.5 miles
– Best photo ops are usually at start/finish and major landmarks
[Renton] Annual Fairwood Turkey Trot & Food Drive
🏃 Saturday, November 23, 2024, 8:30 am start
💲 Free (Suggested donation: non-perishable food items)
📍 14213 Southeast 183rd Street, Renton
Difficulty: Moderate | Average Finish Time: 40-55 minutes
This community-powered event doubles as a vital food drive for the Renton Food Bank! Held in the Fairwood neighborhood, it’s perfect for those more motivated by giving back than chasing a PR—though the first runner to break the tape wins a TURKEY! Enjoy post-race snacks from the onsite food truck, hydration from Cirkul Water X, and recovery at the Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy stretching station.
Accessibility: Stroller-friendly course with some gentle hills
Weather Plan: Rain or shine event
[Seattle] Tacky Turkey Sweater 5k
🏃 Sunday, November 17, 2024, 10 am start
💲 Adults $43 + fees | Kids $30 + fees
📍 7210 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle
Difficulty: Easy/Flat | Average Finish Time: 35-45 minutes
This all-ages pre-turkey day run combines the holiday run with an epic ugly sweater contest! Run a 5k around Green Lake and then hit up Jellyfish Brewing in your tacky attire. Kids 14 and under have their own registration category, making this the perfect family event. Not quite ready to run? Volunteers earn a free future race entry.
Accessibility: Stroller-friendly course, wheelchair accessible
🔗 More info
Post-Run Recovery
🍽️ We’ve scouted the best spots near each finish line for your post-run celebration. Most places open early on race day, but reservations are recommended for larger groups.
Note: All courses remain open until the last participant finishes. If you’re planning to walk, check the course time limits (typically 1.5-2 hours).
[Kirkland] Turkey Trot 5k & Kids Race
🏃 Sunday, November 17th, 2024, 9 am start
💲 Adults $50 | Students $35 | Kids free
📍 25 Lakeshore Plaza, Kirkland
Difficulty: Moderate | Average Finish Time: 35-50 minutes
Head to Marina Park for a run with stunning Lake Washington views. Register as a team to compete for the “Rafter of Turkeys” prize (yes, that’s the term for a group of turkeys). Or show up solo to compete for the Top 3! The Kids Run is a 0.3 mile jaunt perfect for kids 2-8, and parents can join! After breaking the tape, head to Moss Bay Hall for a post-run celebration.
Accessibility: Stroller-friendly, wheelchair accessible with some mild inclines
Weather Plan: Event runs rain or shine; indoor space available at Community Center
🔗 More info
