Before gobbling down turkey and all the fixings, lace up your shoes and hit the pavement at a few of our favorite Wisconsin turkey trots.
Nov. 23: 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 the top three division-age winners.
Fee: $40 for 5K run/walk and $25 for 1K Kid’s Run.
Details: 5K run/walk, 9 a.m. start; Kids 1K, 10 a.m. start.
For more information: therunturkeyrun.com.
Nov. 23: Mayor’s Turkey Day Run
Kenosha
This long-standing Kenosha Thanksgiving morning tradition offers a 2-mile and 10-mile option starting at the Kenosha Public 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.
Fee: $25 for 15-plus and $20 for 14 and under.
Details: 2-mile and 10-mile, 9 a.m. start. No race-day registration.
For more information: kenosharunningclub.org.
Nov. 23: 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.
Fee: $15 per person through Nov. 22 and $20 for race-day registration.
Details: 5K run/walk, 8:30 a.m. start.
For more information: washburnchamber.com.
Nov. 23: Festival Foods Turkey Trot Series
11 locations throughout Wisconsin
The Festival Food Turkey Trot offers various options, including a timed 5-mile run, an untimed 2-mile run, an untimed 2-mile walk and a 2-mile dog jog, at 11 different locations around the state. 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 2023 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.
Fee: $65 per registration.
Locations: Appleton, Eau Claire, Coulee Region, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, Janesville, Manitowoc, Marshfield, Milwaukee, Stevens Point, Oshkosh or remote.
For more information: festivalfoodsturkeytrot.com.
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. Medals will also be provided for the top three finishes for males and females.
Fee: $30 per person. Registration closes on Nov. 22.
Details: 5K run/walk, 9 a.m. start.
For more information: runsignup.com.
Nov. 25: 6th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
Brookfield
The sixth-annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk benefiting the Kelly Johnson Foundation takes place on Saturday, Nov. 25. 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 Mitchell Park and loops throughout the area. Post-race activities include awards for the top three runners in each age category and a participant raffle.
Fee: $35 pre-race adult; $20 pre-race youth; $40 race-day adult; $25 race-day youth.
Details: 5K run/walk, 9 a.m. start; post-race awards and raffles, 10:15 a.m.
For more information: kjfwi.org.