It’s that time of year again, where family and friends alike come together to give thanks over a heap of food on the dining room table, and then head into the living room to stream the football games.
Before the celebration begins, though, many choose to squeeze in a morning workout with a community turkey trot, ranging in distance from 1-mile to 10K. Plus, by participating in the local races, residents are raising money and awareness toward Northern Virginia-based causes.
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Whether you choose to run or would rather cheer on your neighbor with kids in tow, here’s where to go and what to expect from the region’s various turkey trot events.
15th Annual Purcellville Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Run
Sunday, Nov. 10, 8-9:30 a.m.
Prepare for the Thanksgiving feast a few weeks early with the 15th annual turkey trot race in Purcellville, benefiting the Loudoun Valley Community Center’s quality programming. Upon registration, each runner will be guaranteed a long-sleeved T-shirt. // Loudoun Valley Community Center: 320 W. School St., Purcellville; $35-$40
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Turkey Trot 5K
Friday, Nov. 15, 7-8 a.m.
The annual turkey trot festivities are arriving a little early with this race, hosted by the United States Marine Corps Community Services, Semper Fit, and the Fort Myer branch of the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation program (PMMWR). Join your friends, family and service members in this annual race for a chance to win one of the top awards. // Smith Gym: 1555 Southgate Road, Building 27, Arlington; free
Tysons Rotary 5K Turkey Trot
Sunday, Nov. 17, 8 a.m.
The Tysons Rotary foundation will be hosting its 5K turkey trot a little early this year, in an effort to gather more participants. Runners and walkers alike are welcome to join in support of the Rotary Club’s contributions to local charities, such as Second Story and Insight Memory Care. // Lerner Town Square: Tysons Boulevard and Galleria Drive, Tysons; $35-$40
Freeze Your Gizzard 5K
Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.
While the name may be different, this is definitely a Thanksgiving-themed affair in the town of Leesburg. For participating runners, bringing canned goods for the Loudoun Hunger Relief food bank is encouraged. Plus, don your best turkey-related costume, as there will be a costume contest for the best-dressed following the race. // Ida Lee Park: 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg; $15-$30
Herndon Turkey Trot 5K Race
Saturday, Nov. 23, 4 p.m.
Runners and walkers alike can join in for this community turkey trot, which begins at the local community center and continues around Herndon Centennial Golf Course. Before making your way to the event, be sure to grab cans of food to donate to low-income families in Herndon and beyond. // Herndon Community Center: 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon; $20-$35
Vienna Turkey Trot 2019
Sunday, Nov. 24, 8 a.m.
Come out in support of the James Madison High School Band’s 17th annual Vienna Turkey Trot, consisting of a 5K, 10K and kids’ fun run. Following the races, stick around for live music, fun prizes and seasonal refreshments. // Vienna Volunteer Fire Department: 400 Center St. S., Vienna; $20-$45
27th Annual YMCA Turkey Trot
Thursday, Nov. 28, 7:45 a.m.
Hosted by Mary Washington Healthcare and the Rappahannock Area YMCA, this annual 5K, 1-mile race and kids’ fun run brings individuals of all ages together for an early-morning workout before a day of giving thanks. All proceeds will benefit the youth programming at the local YMCA. // James Monroe High School: 2300 Washington Ave., Fredericksburg; $23-$35
14th Annual Arlington Turkey Trot
Thursday, Nov. 28, 8 a.m.
For the 14th year in a row, over 4,000 Arlington residents will come together for a 5K on Thanksgiving morning, in an effort to raise funds for several organizations that work toward benefiting locals in need. Don’t want to run but still want to donate? You can do so here. // Christ Church of Arlington: 3020 N. Pershing Drive, Arlington; $25-$45, free for children under 6
Sixth Annual Prince William Turkey Trot
Thursday, Nov. 28, 8:30 a.m.
Before you eat the day away, join Prince William County residents in the annual turkey trot festivities. Whether you choose to wear a pilgrim costume, turkey hat or Colonial garb, all are welcome. Throughout the races, there will be live music from a local DJ and doughnuts from Duck Donuts. // Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center: 9100 Freedom Center Blvd., Manassas; $15-$40
Alexandria Turkey Trot
Thursday, Nov. 28, 9 a.m.
Benefiting ALIVE!—a local nonprofit helping to alleviate suffering of Alexandrians living in poverty—the Alexandria Turkey Trot will include a cash prize for competing runners. Plus, you can bring your pups along for the morning jog around Del Ray. // George Washington Middle School: 1005 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $5-$35
Fairfax Turkey Trot 2019
Thursday, Nov. 28, 9 a.m.
The seventh annual Fairfax Turkey Trot will take place on Thanksgiving morning, with a relatively flat course throughout the town. Proceeds from the event will go toward Britepaths, a 30-year-old nonprofit dedicated toward working with low-income families in the area. // Mantua Swim & Tennis Club: 9330 Pentland Place, Fairfax; $30-$35
5K Balmoral Turkey Trot
Thursday, Nov. 28, 9-11 a.m.
Get in a nice workout before the day’s festivities with the Balmoral neighborhood run. Following the race, participants can enjoy a toasted bagel and those 21 or older can give thanks with a bloody mary in hand. // Weymouth Hill Road, Clifton; free
Liberty Lorton Turkey Trot and Fun Run
Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m.
When Thanksgiving ends, the fun continues, thanks to the second annual turkey trot in Lorton. Whether your child wants to participate in the kids’ fun run or you and your teens have a goal of completing the 5K together, all are welcome for this family affair. // Liberty Green: 9380 Quadrangle St., Lorton; $5-$30
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