Things to Do

Turkey trots: Burn calories and have fun at Thanksgiving races

Many of these races raise funds for charities or are qualifiers for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race
By Mary Caldwell – for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Updated Nov 22, 2024

Ready to burn off those Thanksgiving calories in advance and bring a medal or T-shirt home to show off for the family at dinner? Register for one — or more — of the following Turkey Day races, lace up your running shoes, and hit the grass or pavement. All races are on Thanksgiving Day unless otherwise noted.

Gobble Jog

Run or walk in the Gobble Jog to support MUST Ministries, which provides a safety net for people in poverty in north metro Atlanta. On Thanksgiving Day, choose from among a 10K, 5K, 1K or 50-yard Tot Trot, with the timed 10K and 5K serving as qualifiers for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race.

Details: 7:30 a.m. 10K, 8:45 1K, 8:45 a.m. 1K untimed, 9 a.m. 5K, 10:30 a.m. Tot Trot. Thursday, Nov. 23. $50 10K timed run; $50 5K timed run or untimed run/walk; $50 1K untimed, $30 Tot Trot. 50 N. Park Square, NE, Marietta. 678-218-4513.

Fun Run and Turkey Trot 5K

Join in a fun-filled tradition at the annual Fun Run and Turkey Trot 5K. Strollers and pups are welcome.

Details: 8:15 a.m Fun Run, 8:30 a.m. 5K. $25 5K, $15 Fun Run. Brookfield Country Club, 100 Willow Run Road, Roswell.

Five Star Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K/10K/15K/Half Marathon

Run on a fairly flat course in the Five Star Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, an electronically timed event that benefits the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta.

Details: All races begin at 8 a.m. $21 in advance, $25 on race day. 3835 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek.

Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, Mile & Dash

Start your Thanksgiving morning at Atlanta’s Olympic rings for Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, 5K, Mile & Dash, and then stay for a post-race celebration. Children can run the mile and dash for free, and each one will receive a commemorative item and medal. Hurry, though, registration is expected to reach capacity quickly.

Details: 7:45 a.m. Half marathon: $137.50 and up; 5K $60.50 and up, mile $20 and up, dash $20 and up. Center Parc Stadium, 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta.

Get Basted Turkey Trot

This will be the “second helping” of the Get Basted Turkey Trot. You can choose a 5K, 10K, 15K or half marathon distance in this race that benefits the Testicular Cancer Society.

Details: 8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. $21 in advance, $25 day of race. North Forsyth Middle School, 3645 Coal Mountain Dr., North Forsyth Middle School, Cumming.

Tryptophan Half Marathon/10K/5K

Participate in your choice of distances at the Tryptophan Half Marathon/10K/5K. The 5K starts and finishes in front of Rosati’s Pizza and Sports Pub on a mostly flat course.

Details: 7:30 a.m. half marathon, 7:45 10K, 8 a.m. 5K, 9 a.m. 1K Fun Run. Half marathon $70; 10K $50; 5K $45; Fun Run $20. In front of Rosati’s Pizza and Sports Pub, 415 Peachtree Parkway Suite 200, Cumming.

Our picks this week

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is your No. 1 source for things to do, see, make, buy and eat through the holidays. Here are our recommendations:

LISTEN: What’s on Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ holiday playlist?

DRINK: Here’s the holiday spirit Atlanta’s sipping this Christmas

DO: Seven places to show off your ice skating moves in and around Atlanta

VISIT: Full AJC holiday guide for things to do, buy and enjoy

For our full coverage of holiday events around metro Atlanta, check out the AJC’s Things to Do page.

About the Author

Mary Caldwell

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