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 28, 8 a.m.
Join Beacon Endurance for its annual Turkey Trot Fun Run and Walk. Choose from a 5-mile loop, a 3-mile loop or the 1-mile park loop for the distance of your choice. All are welcome, so bring your family, your dogs, and your strollers and join the fun (the park loop is most suited to strollers). The run is free and participants are asked to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the local food pantry, and Beacon Endurance will donate $1 for each item. Visit the Beacon Endurance website for the registration link.
The Cold Spring Turkey Trot
Haldane School Running Track, Cold Spring
November 28, 9 a.m.
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The Haldane School Foundation relaunched the beloved Cold Spring Turkey Trot, which started in 2010, last year. Still going strong in 2024, 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.
Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club
Arlington High School, Lagrangeville
November 28, 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 3.5 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.
New Paltz Turkey Trot
Water Street Market, New Paltz
November 28, 9:30 a.m.
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Family of New Paltz’s Thanksgiving celebrations are a 20-year tradition. Runners undertake the classic 5k route beginning at Water Street Market and looping back via the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. If you want to avoid the long registration lines on Thanksgiving Day, visit Family of New Paltz’s website for online registration.
Rhinebeck Ferncliff Forest 5K
First Baptist Church, Rhinebeck
November 28, 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 750 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 24, 9 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.
Troy Turkey Trot
Fourth and Fulton Street, Troy
November 28, 8 a.m.
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Want to participate in America’s 12th oldest Thanksgiving day 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 28, 8 a.m.
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At its second annual turkey trot, Wylder Windham hosts a day of fun with a three-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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