Turkey trots are an annual tradition dating back to 1896 in Buffalo, New York, when the local YMCA hosted a footrace with only six participants. Nowadays, these holiday runs have become cherished traditions, annual gatherings of friends or family-forced events. Whether you love them or hate them, these runs offer costumes, friendship and just enough perspiration to enhance the flavor of that second piece of pie.
Thanksgiving Turkey Trots
Annual Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K — Arnold
Taking place at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, this walk-or-run course begins at the Greater Annapolis Y in Arnold before taking participants around the campus of Anne Arundel Community College.
Leading up to the race, you can pick up your packet from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 23 and 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 25, or from 7 to 7:30 a.m. on race day at the Greater Annapolis Y in Arnold.
Donations and proceeds will go directly toward meeting immediate needs in the community, including providing food for the Y Fresh Market and supporting Y preschool, camp and daycare programs.
The 5K registration fee for those who register by October 30 is $44.46, with a discounted price of $24.32 for ages 7–17 and $6.30 for ages 0–6.
Camp Letts Turkey Chase Charity Race
This 10K/5K race takes place in Edgewater on Thanksgiving Day, with races starting at 8:30 and 8:45 a.m., respectively.
The Turkey Chase is crucial to Camp Letts’ fundraising efforts and is an amazing way to give back to the community while helping kids enjoy an unforgettable, life-changing summer camp experience.
Camp Letts hosts more than 3,000 campers each summer and has over 20 buildings, with funds helping cover the maintenance and upkeep of aging facilities. Additionally, thanks to your support, Camp Letts can offer scholarships to campers who otherwise might miss out on the experience.
Fleet Feet Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
Now in its 20th year, the Fleet Feet Turkey Trot will take place rain or shine! Runners will hit the course at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, but make sure you’re registered in advance, as there will be no race-day registration or packet pickup.
All registrants will receive a commemorative bib and medal. Fees begin at $10 for ages 0–6, increase to $25 for ages 7–17 and reach $50 for anyone 18 and older.
The run will start at the Eastport Bridge, taking runners through downtown Annapolis. There are no refunds, even in the event of inclement weather.
North Shore Turkey Trot
Start the holiday with a run—or a walk—through the beautiful North Shore community in Pasadena! Now in its sixth year, the 5K kicks off at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning from the neighborhood beach, followed by a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk at 9:05 a.m.
Strollers and leashed pets are welcome, and finishers can stick around for hot apple cider, donuts and an awards ceremony. Winners will have a frozen turkey donated in their names to a local food bank, making this festive tradition a way to give back, too!
Registration is $16.90 per person, including fees, with proceeds supporting North Shore beautification projects.
SPAN Turkey Trot
Get a head start on the holiday season with the SPAN Turkey Trot on Saturday, November 7, at Kinder Farm Park in Millersville! Whether you’re an experienced runner or just looking for a fun way to get moving with family and friends, there’s something for everyone. The timed 5K kicks off at 9 a.m., followed by a 1-Mile Fun Walk/Run at 9:25 a.m.
Registration is $38.10 for the 5K and $27.50 for the 1-Mile Fun Walk/Run, including fees. Want to get the whole crew involved? Register as a Social Team of four or more for discounted pricing of $25 per person. Teams of eight or more pay just $20 per person! It’s a great way to enjoy the fall weather, get some exercise and celebrate community spirit before Thanksgiving.
Turkey Chase Charity Race
Located in Bethesda, the 44th annual race is the perfect opportunity for anyone visiting family in the area or up for the drive from Annapolis!
The 10K race will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the two-mile walk/run at 9 a.m. and the 50-meter Tot Trot at 9:30 a.m. All races will start at the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase.
Registration fees are $59.30 for the 10K, $54 for the two-mile race and $22.20 for the Tot Trot (recommended for kids ages 2–4).
Holiday Runs
Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run
Looking for a unique course? Look no further! On December 5, the Maryland Zoo will open to runners for a 5K race beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The course will guide participants through the zoo for two laps, with the course closing at 10 a.m. The race is open to both runners and walkers!
Registration for the timed 5K starts at $45 through October 31, with prices increasing as race day approaches. Each participant will receive a T-shirt and jingle bells, all while knowing their money is supporting efforts to find a cure for arthritis, America’s leading cause of disability.
Those looking to offer additional support can also make a donation.
Naptown Half Marathon & 10K/5K
As 2026 comes to a close, this community classic will take place on December 19 with a holiday hustle theme!
Most races will begin at 7:30 a.m., with the 5K starting at 7:40 a.m. Price-wise, the half marathon costs $96.90, followed by $59.80 for the 10K and $43.90 for the 5K.
This year, the race has partnered with the Friends of Anne Arundel Trails to support its mission of promoting, protecting and enhancing the multimodal trails of Anne Arundel County.
The race will begin at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, with different course maps for each distance.
Santa Speedo Run
Entering its 20th year, this Annapolis tradition spices up Christmas with the ever-noticeable outfits of runners who take to the streets of the state’s capital in frigid conditions. Men must wear speedo-like bathing suits with Santa hats and beards highly recommended. Any Christmas attire or skort will work for women, but bathing suits are once again the preferred choice. You must wear holiday colors and, for everyone’s sake, refrain from wearing thongs!
We’re still waiting for all the details for this year’s race!
Stocking Suffer 8-Hour Endurance Run
On December 6, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., runners will have eight hours to complete as many 2.8-mile laps as they can—or want to!
Taking place at Terrapin Nature Park, each completed lap earns runners a new surprise, which goes directly into a race-provided stocking. When runners finish, they’ll receive a special “checkout” gift in addition to everything they’ve collected.
The top male and female finishers who complete the most laps will also receive special prizes.
Registration costs $59.30, and participation is limited to 100 runners.
Holiday runs and turkey trots are an amazing way to start the season with camaraderie, community support and a little exercise! Whether you’re running for a cause, enjoying a family tradition or simply making room for another slice of pie, these gatherings bring friends and families together in the holiday spirit, regardless of experience level.
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