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Jog or walk your way along scenic Hudson Valley roads this Thanksgiving with seasonal turkey trot races, plus a local parade.
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?
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You’re in luck! The Hudson Valley hosts several scenic turkey trots on or around Thanksgiving. Register for one of these races and work up a real appetite.
Kingston 5K Turkey Trot
Dietz Stadium to Forsyth Park, Kingston
November 24, 8 a.m.
Get your holiday weekend started bright and early with the Junior League of Kingston’s 10th annual Turkey Trot. This race features both a 5K and a two-mile “fun run,” during which participants are encouraged to walk or run. Dash from Dietz Stadium to Forsyth Park (that’s where snacks are waiting). Sign up fast, because the first 200 to register get a free t-shirt. First-place winners in the men’s and women’s categories earn $75 gift cards, while second and third place bring home fresh pies.
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Rhinebeck Ferncliff Forest 5K Turkey Trot
Montgomery St, Rhinebeck
November 24, 8 a.m.
Rhinebeck has six starting times for its annual 5K turkey trot. 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; those who show up and race can start their celebration early with free food, too. The course begins on Montgomery Street, goes through gently rolling hills in the forest, and then returns back. Register in five-minute increments.
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Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club
Arlington High School, Poughkeepsie
November 24, 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.
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Fulton Street, Troy
November 24, 8 a.m.
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., sign up for the 5K, or take a one-mile turkey walk. First prize takes home $300. Plus, festive Hudson Valleyites can win $100 without running at all via a costume contest.
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Our Towne Bethlehem Turkey Trot
American Legion, Delmar
November 24, 9 a.m.
Not much of an athlete? Join Bethlehem’s 5k run! There is a timed option for the overachievers among us, but participants walking, skipping, jumping, or pushing a stroller to the finish line are equally welcome at this race. Registration proceeds assist the Bethlehem Community Fund, and prizes are given to the first-place finisher in the men’s, women’s, pet, and stroller categories.
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New Paltz Turkey Trot
Water Street Market, New Paltz
November 24, 8 a.m.
Family of New Paltz’s Thanksgiving celebrations are a 19-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 tykes.
Bonus: New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade
Downtown New Rochelle
November 19, 10 a.m.
For a head start to the holiday season, join in on New Rochelle’s own Thanksgiving parade! See giant floating turkeys, Mighty Mouse, Bob the Builder, and other popular characters. This year, the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce’s parade theme is “celebrating a century of service.”
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