Roundup: 17 Turkey Trots Near Boston
Turkey Trot race image by Erin Scott.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a day that only revolves around cooking and eating. This year, get outside for some fresh air by participating in one of these turkey trots near Boston. You’ll raise money for a charitable cause, and feel less guilty about indulging in that extra slice of pumpkin pie.
This 5K loops around the Charles River and after the race, runners will receive free race photos, gifts, and refreshments. All proceeds will benefit the community running organization, Boston Road Runners.
11/22; race starts at 9 a.m.; Charles River, DCR’s Artesani Park
The 25th annual YMCA turkey trot benefits the Burbank YMCA Annual Fund Campaign LIVEStrong and the Pink cancer survivor exercise program. The race loops around Lake Quannapowitt for a scenic, and relaxing 5K.
11/22; race starts at 9 a.m.; $20 registration fee; 607 North Ave., Wakefield
3. Piggy’s 5K
This third annual race raises money for the Paul Logue Charitable Fund. The course is paved, so strollers and children are welcome.
11/22; race starts at 10 a.m.; $22 registration fee for adults, $15 for kids, free for ages six and under; 19 Athletic Field Rd., Waltham
The seventh annual turkey trot raises funds for ovarian cancer research. The race includes a 5K for both adults and children.
11/22; race starts at 9 a.m.; $10 registration fee for kids, $15 fee for students, $25 fee for adults; Hilltop Athletic Club, 65 Pottle Street, Kingston
This 5K run and walk is organized by the Superintendents Advisory Council and raises money for technology support in the Westborough public schools. The course runs around Westborough High School and includes both flat and hilly terrain.
11/22; race starts at 9 a.m.; $25 registration fee for 5k, $5 fee for kids run; 90 W. Main St., Westborough
6. America’s Hometown Thanksgiving
Choose from the 5K, 1-mile, or both for this run around the historic grounds of Plymouth. Fun fact: Plymouth is the home of the first America’s Thanksgiving and throughout the course, you’ll pass historical sites to learn about the Thanksgiving tradition.
11/23; 1-mile race starts at 10 a.m., 5k starts at 10:30 a.m.; $27.25 registration fee for 1-mile, $32.50 fee for 5k, $22 fee for kids, and $37.45 fee for both races; the Cabby Shake Restaurant, 30 Town Wharf, Plymouth
7. Essex Lions Club Turkey Trot
This turkey trot is more rigorous than the others. Participants in this annual turkey trot can choose between running an 8K (4.97-miles) or walking the course.
11/23; race starts at 1 p.m.; $20 early registration fee for runners, $25 day of fee, $15 early registration for walkers, $20 day of fee; Woodman’s Restaurant, 121 Main St., Essex
The 34th annual Slattery’s race gives runners a monetary reason to participate: $800 for first place, $400 for second place, and $200 for third. Proceeds for this trot go to Slattery’s scholarship program.
11/23; 5-mile walk starts at 11:30 a.m., 5-mile run starts at 1 p.m., kids race starts at 12 p.m.; $30 registration fee; Slattery’s Restaurant, 21 Cully St., Fitchburg
9. Lynnfield Rotary Turkey Trot
The Lynnfield Rotary turkey trot has a unique prize for their winners: a frozen turkey for their Thanksgiving meal. After the race, head to Kings Marketstreet for a a post-race party offering family activities and refreshments.
11/23; race starts at 9:30 a.m.; $25 early registration fee, $30 same day registration fee; 600 Market St., Lynnfield
Last year, this 5K race raised $22,000 for their charity, the Lower Cape Outreach Council. In addition to the registration fee, all participants must bring a bag of non-perishable grocery items.
11/27; race starts at 8 a.m; $15 registration fee for adults, $5 fee for children; 637 Main St., Chatham
This 3rd annual turkey trot supports the Dedham Food Pantry and Ripples of Hope. The first 700 runners get a free t-shirt.
11/27; kids race starts at 8:30 a.m., 5K starts at 9 a.m.; $25 registration fee for adults, $75 fee for a family, free for kids; Endicott Estate, 656 East St., Dedham
This 5K runs through the Franklin Park, and this year, for the first time, runners will get a chip timer so that family members can track a runner’s progress.
11/27; race starts at 9 a.m.; $25 registration fee for adults, $10 fee for kids, free for children ages five and under; Franklin Park Golf Course, One Circuit Dr., Dorchester
13. Gobble, Gobble, Gobble, 4-Miler
This 9th annual Somerville turkey trot raises funds for scholarships for high school students and supports Project Soup—New England’s first free supper program. The course is flat so all members of the family can participate.
11/27; race starts at 9 a.m.; $29 registration fee; 40 Holland St., Davis Square, Somerville
14. Stow Gobbler
The 8th Annual Stow Gobbler raises money for Habitat for Humanity and the Stow Community Crest. Run or walk, this race is great for all levels of athletes and ages.
11/27; race starts at 8 a.m.; $25 registration fee for adults, $10 fee for kids; Stow Community Park, Old Bolton Rd., Stow
15. Wild Turkey 5K
This 11th annual race in Salem benefits the Girls and Boys Club of Greater Boston. The Wild Turkey 5K is the largest race on the North Shore with more than 2,000 participants.
11/27; race starts at 8 a.m.; $24 registration fee; Knights of Columbus Hall at the Salem Common, Salem
16. Boston Volvo’s Turkey Trot
This 17th annual race in Brighton benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in New England. Each year, over 1,000 runners come out for this 5K.
11/27; race starts at 9 a.m.; $20 pre-registration fee, $25 same day registration fee; Ray Ciccolo’s Boston Volvo Village, 75 N. Beacon St., Brighton
17. Boston Turkey Trot for Hunger
This virtual race can be run in any location: outside, on a treadmill, with a group, or even solo. By participating in this race and clocking a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon, runners raise funds to help end hunger for Feeding America.
11/30; race starts anytime; $30 registration fee; location of your choice
