Before gobbling down turkey and all the fixings this November, lace up your shoes and hit the pavement at a few of our favorite Wisconsin turkey trots.
Run Turkey Run
Watertown
Held on Thanksgiving morning each year, Run Turkey Run is celebrating its 11th year. This 100 percent not-for-profit event raises funds for Watertown area charities, raising more than $165,000 in the past 10 years! The Run Turkey Run route is a clockwise loop through the center of Watertown and starts in Riverside Park. Awards are given to the top three male and female runners and top three division age winners.
Details:
- Thursday, Nov. 24
- 5K Run/Walk, 9 a.m. start; Kids 1K, 10 a.m. start
- Register online or race day from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m.
43rd Annual Kenosha Running Club Mayor’s Turkey Day Run
Kenosha
This long-standing Kenosha Thanksgiving morning tradition offers a 2-mile and 10-mile option starting at the museum campus and winding along Lake Michigan, city streets, bike paths and parks. Overall male and female finishers in both races are awarded the Mayor’s Cup Trophy, and medals are awarded for top three finishes in each age group.
Details:
- Thursday, Nov. 24
- 2-mile and 10-mile, 9 a.m. start
- Register online until Nov. 23; special in-person registration on Nov. 23 (3 to 8 p.m.). No race-day registration.
5th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
Brookfield
The fifth-annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk benefiting the Kelly Johnson Foundation takes place on Saturday, Nov. 26. The Kelly Johnson Foundation provides scholarships to high school seniors and helps support local high schools in need of sports equipment and supplies. The race begins at Fox Brook Park and loops throughout the area. Post-race activities includes awards for top three runners in each age category and a participant raffle.
Details:
- Saturday, Nov. 26
- 5K, 8 a.m. start (limited to 250 participants)
- Online registration available until 12 p.m. on Nov. 24 and on race day from 7 to 7:45 a.m.
Washburn Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
Washburn
Hosted by the Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce, this Wisconsin turkey trot event takes place in the northern part of the state along the shore of Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay. Race proceeds will benefit the town’s Homecoming 2025 event. All race participants will receive a special commemorative finisher’s medal.
Details:
- Thursday, Nov. 24
- 5K Run/Walk, 8:30 a.m. start
- Online registration and day-of registration at 8 a.m.
Festival Foods Turkey Trot Series
11 locations throughout Wisconsin
The Festival Food Turkey Trot offers various options including a timed 5-mile run, untimed 2-mile run, untimed 2-mile walk and a 2-mile dog jog. Registration includes a long-sleeve T-shirt, a 6-in. pumpkin pie, coupons and post-race snacks. Local community Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA organizations are the 2022 beneficiaries of this Wisconsin turkey trot. The Festival Foods Turkey Trot offers a virtual option as well by starting the 5-mile run, 2-mile fun run or 2-mile walk from any destination of choice.
Details:
- Thursday, Nov. 24
- Locations: Appleton, Eau Claire, Coulee Region, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, Janesville, Manitowoc, Marshfield, Milwaukee, Stevens Point and Oshkosh
- Wave start at 8 a.m.
- Wave One: 5-Mile Run
- Wave Two: 2-Mile Fun Run
- Wave Three: 2-Mile Walk
- Wave Four: Dog Jog
Burlington Turkey Trot
Burlington
This Thanksgiving morning family-friendly event winds through the town of Burlington starting and ending at the high school. Runners have the option of participating as individuals or as a team. Teams must have at least three participants and their time is calculated by combining the team’s top three finisher results. Prizes are awarded for the top three teams as well as individual top three finishers in each age category. Get creative! The team with the most creative team name also wins a prize. Stick around post-race for turkey and pie raffles.
Details:
- Thursday, Nov. 24
- 5K Run/Walk individuals and teams, 8:30 a.m. start
- Online registration closes at 12 p.m. on Nov. 23. No race-day registration.
United Way of Marathon County Turkey Trot
Wausau
Get some exercise and raise money to help feed those in need during the holiday season. This race takes place on Thanksgiving morning and 100 percent of the Marathon County Turkey Trot’s proceeds benefit the Marathon County Hunger Coalition/United Way. This year’s event starts and ends at the 400 block in Downtown Wausau. Participants are also encouraged to bring canned food items for the collection drive.
Details:
- Thursday, Nov. 24
- 5K Run/Walk, 8:30 a.m. start
- Online registration through midnight on Nov. 23.
Minocqua Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
Woodruff
The sixth-annual Minocqua Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk takes participants through the streets and trails of beautiful Minocqua and Woodruff. The Wisconsin turkey trot starts and ends at Faith Church in Woodruff, and T-shirts are guaranteed for early registrants.
Details:
- Thursday, Nov. 24
- 5K Run/Walk, 9 a.m. start
- Online registration and day-of registration: Nov. 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m., and Nov. 24, 7 to 8:45 a.m.