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February 11, 2021

8 One-of-a-Kind Thanksgiving Races in the U.S.

8 One-of-a-Kind Thanksgiving Races in the U.S.

These Thanksgiving races provide an opportunity to meet up with friends and family, as well as burn off the calories before you eat the biggest meal of the year.

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8 One-of-a-Kind Thanksgiving Races in the U.S.

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TURKEY TROT 5K, 10K, 15K AND HALF-MARATHON
Santa Monica, California

This super low-key, flat race heads right along the Santa Monica boardwalk. Runners pass the famous Santa Monica Pier and can take a dip in the ocean after they finish. The race also offers multiple distance options for those with holiday obligations.

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8 One-of-a-Kind Thanksgiving Races in the U.S.

COMMUNITY FIRST THANKSGIVING DISTANCE CLASSIC 1 MILE, 5K AND HALF-MARATHON
Jacksonville, Florida

To help those in need, runners donate canned goods as part of their entry fee. In addition, a portion of each entry is given to the Mandarin Food Bank. As a reward, the post-race party tides hungry runners over until Thanksgiving dinner.

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8 One-of-a-Kind Thanksgiving Races in the U.S.

TOUGH TURKEY 5K AND HALF-MARATHON
Griffin, Georgia

Runners can participate in the entertaining pre-race warmup, and then enjoy Waffle House waffles and chocolate milk after they finish. During the race, half-marathoners traverse through a charming, rolling route. All race proceeds go to support Impact Racing Ministries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps at-risk children and their families build a better future.

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8 One-of-a-Kind Thanksgiving Races in the U.S.

STRUTTIN FOR STUFFIN 5K, 10K AND HALF-MARATHON
Nampa, Idaho

Even if you can’t be there to cheer on your runner, friends and family members can download the RaceJoy mobile app to send audio cheers to their runners, track them along the course and receive alerts when runners are nearing their location to ensure they get to cheer them in person.

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8 One-of-a-Kind Thanksgiving Races in the U.S.

WILD TURKEY 5K AND HALF-MARATHON
Pickrell, Nebraska

To the delight of adult beverage lovers, this race begins and ends at Pickrell Tavern. Racers receive one drink ticket and post-race bagels and cream cheese. Bring your own hydration because the half-marathon has only one water station at the halfway point, and there are no aid stations for the 5K. A great reason to run the 13.1 miles: Half-marathoners receive complimentary flannel pants.

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8 One-of-a-Kind Thanksgiving Races in the U.S.

THANKSGIVING DAY RUN 1 MILE, 5K, 10K AND HALF-MARATHON
Fort Worth, Texas

For runners who don’t want to leave their families on Thanksgiving, the Thanksgiving Day Run 1 Mile, 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon accommodates everyone. The race allows dogs and strollers, and kids 12 and younger can participate in the fun run for free.

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8 One-of-a-Kind Thanksgiving Races in the U.S.

THANKFUL 13 5K AND HALF-MARATHON
Lehi, Utah

The Thankful 13 is the only Thanksgiving Day half-marathon in Utah. Eight miles of the course runs through the Jordan River Parkway Trail, providing views of the Jordan River and adjacent wildlife. Participants can pay it forward on this day of thanks, as a portion of the proceeds benefit The Now I Can Foundation — a charity helping disabled children become more independent.

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8 One-of-a-Kind Thanksgiving Races in the U.S.

WATTLE WADDLE HALF- AND FULL MARATHON
Seattle, Washington

Starting and finishing in Seattle’s quirky Gas Works Park, runners get the rare opportunity to complete a full marathon on Thanksgiving, giving them a glorious calorie deficit going into the big meal. With limited support compared to typical marathons, thirsty runners should plan to carry their own water bottle. There will be hot cider and cocoa.

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