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Adobe Stock | Photo by rachwal
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?
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 25, 8 a.m.
Get your holiday weekend started bright and early with the Junior League of Kingston’s annual Turkey Trot. This race features both a 5K and a two-mile “fun run,” during which participants are encouraged to walk or run. Zoom from Dietz Stadium to Forsyth Park, 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 25, 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. 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.
Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club
Arlington High School, Poughkeepsie
November 25, 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. The first 1,000 racers to register get a free custom pom-pom hat.
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Troy Turkey Trots
Fulton St, Troy
November 25, 8 a.m.
Want to participate in America’s twelfth 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., or sign up for the 5K or one-mile turkey walk. First prize takes home $300. Plus, festive Hudson Valleyites can win $100 without running at all via costume contest.
ElevateOCR Wild Turkey Race at Obstacle Wonderland
Obstacle Wonderland, Wallkill
November 27, 9:30 a.m.
For Hudson Valleyites seeking a little extra thrills in their turkey trot, try Obstacle Wonderland’s amped up celebration. Elevate OCR Wild Turkey Race brings hurdles, rope climbing, axe throwing, and an inverted wall, among other challenges, to the holiday race. Enter as a solo runner in the 10K and 5K runs, or sign up as a team for the 10K relay.
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New Paltz Turkey Trot
Virtual, New Paltz
All month long
Don’t feel like getting up early for a turkey trot? Run the race in your own time. Family of New Paltz’s Thanksgiving celebrations are a 17-year tradition. Racers from anywhere can get in on the action via the RaceJoy app. Runners can take the classic 5K route starting at the Water Street Market and looping back via the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Or, carve your own 5K path. There’s also a half-mile Mashed Potato Fun Run for the little tykes.
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BONUS: New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade
Downtown New Rochelle
November 20, 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 dedicates the parade to all essential workers.