Run off Thanksgiving Dinner at These Hudson Valley Turkey Trots

Jog or walk your way along scenic Hudson Valley roads this Thanksgiving with seasonal turkey trot races that will help you run off dinner.

There’s nothing like a crisp, November morning in the Hudson Valley. Wouldn’t it be nice to get out for a walk, jog, or even run before sitting down to a feast of turkey, stuffing, and potatoes? You’re in luck! The Hudson Valley hosts several scenic turkey trots on or around Thanksgiving that will make dinner all the more worth it. Register for one of these races and work up a real appetite for turkey day fixings.

Beacon Endurance Annual Turkey Trot

Memorial Park, Beacon
November 23, 8 a.m.

At Beacon’s turkey trot, run either the five(ish)-mile run or the one-mile park loop for a distance of your choice. This event is fun for the whole family, including dogs, strollers, and leashed cats. In addition to the race, Beacon Endurance asks that participants and spectators bring one or more canned items for donation to the local food pantry, then the organization will donate $1 for each canned item given.

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The Cold Spring Turkey Trot

Haldane School Running Track, Cold Spring
November 23, 9 a.m.

 

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The Haldane School Foundation relaunches the beloved Cold Spring Turkey Trot, which started in 2010, this year. This pre-feast 5k helps support the Haldane schools and is fun for all ages. The race will start at the Haldane athletic track and snake through the village before returning to the start line where the winner will be awarded a trophy at the finish line. Register by November 22 for your place in the race, plus a turkey trot t-shirt and automatic raffle entry for a Glynwood grazed turkey.

Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club

Arlington High School, Poughkeepsie
November 23, 8:30 a.m.

A whole slew of Thanksgiving morning races kick off at Arlington High School. The Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club hosts turkey trots for racers of all levels. First, the massive 25k starts the day in honor of Bob Rother. Long-distance trekkers have three and a half hours to complete it. Then, there’s a one-mile kids’ fun run, followed by the Joe Maggi five-mile run. Finally, an easy-going two-mile walk concludes the day. This year, there will be no registration day, so runners will have to pre-register online by November 22.

New Paltz Turkey Trot

Water Street Market, New Paltz
November 23, 8 a.m.

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Family of New Paltz’s Thanksgiving celebrations are a 20-year tradition. Runners can take the classic 5k route, beginning at Water Street Market and looping back via the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. There’s also a half-mile Mashed Potato Fun Run for the little ones. If you want to avoid the long registration lines on Thanksgiving Day, visit Family of New Paltz a day early on November 22 to register and pick up your free t-shirt.

Rhinebeck Ferncliff Forest 5K

First Baptist Church, Rhinebeck
November 23, 8 a.m.

 

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Held Thanksgiving morning, this race benefits projects and operating expenses for maintaining Ferncliff Forest, the area’s privately funded nature preserve. The first 550 pre-registrants get a t-shirt, and those who show up and race can start their celebration early with free food, too. The course begins at First Baptist Church, goes through gently rolling hills in the forest, and then returns back. Plus, every $5 donated is equal to one raffle chance, with prizes to win like gift cards and frozen turkeys.

Saugerties Turkey Trot

Cantine Memorial Field, Saugerties
November 19, 6 a.m.

Race the one-mile or 5k at Saugerties’ Cantine Memorial Field the Sunday before Thanksgiving this year. Instead of a registration fee, donate to People’s Place, a nonprofit organization that feeds, clothes, and responds to the needs of Ulster County people, or Junior League of Kingston, a nonprofit women’s organization enhancing the wellbeing of families in the community. Enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the Catskills and fall foliage as you run this one-of-a-kind race through the historic Village of Saugerties.

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Troy Turkey Trot

Troy Atrium, Troy
November 23, 8 a.m.

 

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Want to participate in America’s 12th oldest race? The Troy Turkey Trot started in 1916 and only had six runners. Now, it’s one of the nation’s largest Thanksgiving runs. Start the day with a lengthy 10k at 8 a.m., the Capitol Region’s only Thanksgiving Day 10k; sign up for the 5k; or bring the kids for the grade school one-mile run. To make the day even more festive, dress up in costume for the chance to win a prize of up to $100.

Wylder Windham Turkey Trot

Wylder Windham, Windham
November 23, 8 a.m.

At their first ever annual turkey trot, Wylder Windham is hosting a day of fun with a 3-mile loop from the hotel to the Windham path and back. Pre-registration is recommended, and make sure to join the rest of the racers afterwards for prizes and hot chocolate at Babblers Killside. Best turkey costume wins a free one-night stay for two at Wylder, and if you bring a coat to donate, you will win a slice of pie!

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