What better way to start your Thanksgiving Day than to get your heart pumping with a Turkey Trot. When you’re on a San Diego vacation, you’re in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and that makes these run/walk events that much more spectacular.
It’s an opportunity to “move your feet before you eat” or “run like a beast before you feast,” as some of the events advertise. No matter where you stay in the San Diego area, there’s sure to be a Turkey Trot near you.
The Coronado 5K Turkey Trot, which benefits the Rady Children’s Hospital, takes place at Tidelands Park with adult and youth divisions. This is a family-friendly event that welcomes runners, strollers and walkers, but no bikes or pets. Runners start at 8 a.m.; walkers at 8:15 a.m.
Del Mar’s Family Fun Run is a one-mile run that starts at 8 a.m. at the Main Track. But what makes this event truly unique is the Helen Woodward Puppy Run held at 8:30 a.m., with animals available for adoption. Participants get donuts and hot chocolates, two racetrack admission passes and an event T-shirt. Other activities include face painting, entertainment, holiday arts and crafts and animals from the Helen Woodward Animal Center, which benefits from proceeds. Come in costume!
The Encinitas Turkey Trot starts at 7 a.m. with a 5K, 10K and a Kids K Fun Run (which is free for those 7 and under). This walk/run offers a beautiful course along the Pacific Coast. Costume contest registration begins at 6 a.m. The run, which starts and finishes at the Encinitas sign on Highway 101, supports Encinitas 101 The Voice of Downtown, Thanksgiving Meals in a Basket, Boy Scout Troop No. 776, La Costa Canyon High School Theatre Club and the Cardiff School District.
Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K starts at 6:30 a.m. with a walk/run through Balboa Park. Other race activities include live music, a beer garden, pre-race mass and a meet-and-greet with Disney-inspired characters. This is a fun event for the entire family supporting a food services program that serves one million meals each year in San Diego.
San Diego Run for the Hungry takes place in downtown San Diego on Thanksgiving morning with a 10K at 7 a.m. and a 5K at 8:15 a.m. The run is a fundraiser for the San Diego and North County Food Banks.
San Diego South Bay Turkey Trot and Food Drive offers three distances with a 15K, 10K and 5K. The event takes place at RohrPark in Bonita. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate.
The O’side Turkey 5 Mile or 5K Trot is a favorite Thanksgiving tradition in North County. This, too, is a great event for the whole gang with races in every category, a costume contest, live entertainment and medals for everyone. Starts from the Oceanside Civic Center. Participants in this walk/run can choose the organization that benefits from $5 of the registration fee. Charities include local schools and the Austin Bice Memorial Scholarship. But add your favorite charity by calling 760-434-5255.
After
your run, enjoy a scrumptious Thanksgiving meal (without the guilt of extra
holiday calories) at a San
Diego restaurant. Then kick back in your luxurious holiday
vacation rental
to enjoy the long holiday weekend.
