Every “Turkey Trot” Run in Monmouth & Ocean Counties This Year

Thanksgiving. For some, it's their favorite holiday and for others, it's a day long reprieve from Christmas shopping and decorating. Either way, its a day for giving thanks, spending time with loved ones, and stuffing your face with comfort food. This sentiment of Thanksgiving runs through every family, even though the ways in which a family celebrates, with their traditions, is deeply personal. Some families eat turkey and apple pie every year. Some forgo the turkey and eat Italian food. Some cook at home and some go out to eat. Some people choose to celebrate Friendsgiving and some people travel home to see their parents. And some families, those who this article was specifically written for, like to run races on the morning of Thanksgiving (and the weeks leading up to it).

Up until about two years ago, I didn't know Turkey Trot Fun Runs were a thing. It honestly blew my mind that there were people out there who wanted to run a 5k before eating Thanksgiving dinner. If you're one of those people, I honestly commend you. You're healthier than I could ever dream to be. And if you want to be one of those people and don't know where to start, continue reading because I've figured out where all the local Turkey Trots are going to be happening this year!

Some of these runs are on Thanksgiving day itself. But if you're travelling for the holiday and still want to participate, there are a few happening the weeks before. Several of these meets will also be holding kids' races, so bring your little ones. So whether you're a novice runner or you've been doing these for years, get your calendars out. Plus, a few races also have a designated start time if you plan on walking the whole thing.

Held on November 18th, 2023 meeting at the Manasquan Little League Baseball Field. You can choose to run 1 mile or 5 miles. Online registration ends November 12th and is $50. There will be no day-of registrations.  The one mile race starts at 10am and the five mile race starts at 11am. Strollers are not allowed on the 5 mile race. To sign up or get more information, click here.

Being held on November 18th at 9am, rain or shine, at Old Mill School in Sea Girt. Pre-registration has passed, but you can register day of. $20 per person or $75 per family. It's a 2-mile run around the neighborhood and there will be refreshments and a 50/50 raffle. For more information, click here.

Held this Saturday, November 4th, at 9am at the River Rock Restaurant and Marina Bar in Brick. It can be run by yourself or as a relay race. It's a $35 registration fee if you're running it alone or $30 registration fee per relay partner. Bib & shirt pickup opens at 7:45am. A meal will be provided after the conclusion of the race. Click here to register.

Being held on Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd at 9am (and walkers beginning at 10am) at Bell Works in Holmdel. You may pick up your packet with your bib on one of the mandatory packet pickup days, which will be held at Road runner Sports in Shrewsbury, NJ on Sunday, November 19 from 11AM-2PM and Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ on Wednesday, November 22 from 4-7PM. There is a $5 fee if you pick your packet up on race day. Registration is currently $23. For more information and to register, click here.

Held on November 19th from 8am to 12pm. You have the option of running 2 miles or a 5k. The meet place is 300 Preventorium Road Howell, NJ. Pre-registration is required and is $20. Click here to register.

Being held on November 18th at 10am. The Dash starts and ends outside the Asbury Park Convention Hall. Registration costs $35 and ends November 13th. Runners 21+ gain entry to the Thanks4Giving bash at the Wonder Bar as part of their registration fee. Click here to register.

Being held November 18th at 601 Route 530 Manchester Township, NJ from 9am to 11:30am. You can register online or day of, starting at 8am. The race is a 5k for runners and 1 mile for walkers. Registration is $35, click here to register.

Held on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23rd at 8am. The meeting place is the Stafford Municipal Building in Manahawkin. The race is a 5k and the 1/2 mile dash is a fun run for kids under 13. Strollers are welcome, please no pets. Registration is $35 for the 5k and $10 for the 1/2 mile. Click here for more information and to register.

The only Turkey Trot on this list being held after Thanksgiving, race day is November 25th from 8:30am to 11:30am.  The race starts and ends at Terhune Park. The kiddie-dash will start at 10:15am. Online registration will be open until November 20th and costs $30. Click here for more info and to register.