As Thanksgiving draws near, thousands of Alabamians lace up their sneakers for one of the holiday’s most beloved traditions: the turkey trot. These fun, often festive races offer more than a chance to burn off a few calories before the feast — they’re a vibrant expression of community, charity, and friendly competition. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a cheerful family activity, Alabama’s turkey trots deliver fun for all ages. Check out the list of some of our favorite turkey trots around the state.
Why Turkey Trots Are A Thanksgiving Tradition
Turkey trots are friendly footraces held on or around Thanksgiving morning, typically spanning 5 kilometers (about 3.1 miles). Their name harks back to the turkey-centric holiday meal, but the event is really about gathering neighbors, families, friends — and sometimes pets — for a shared burst of energy before the big dinner.
Besides being fun, turkey trots have real health and emotional benefits. A morning run or walk helps build mood, ease holiday stress, and can even strengthen social bonds — all before the first slice of pie.
A Statewide Lineup: 2025 Alabama Turkey Trots
31st Annual Turkey Trot for Hope — Mobile
- 📅 Date: Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025
- 🕗 Start Time: 8:00 AM (5K run/walk) + 1-mile “Gobble Wobble” fun run
- 📍 Location: Mardi Gras Park, Downtown Mobile, 104–148 S Royal St
- ✅ Certified 5K course, age-group awards, wheelchair division, costume contests (e.g., “Best Thanksgiving Costume,” “Fastest Turkey”), and fun for all ages. Timing chips provided.
Plucked Turkey 10K — Anniston
- 📅 Date: Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025
- 🕗 Start Time: 8:00 AM
- 📍 Location: Norwood Hodges Community Center, 3125 Spring Valley Rd
- ✅ Build that Thanksgiving appetite by running the 6.2 mile certified course through the beautiful Golden Springs community. This ARC event benefits the YMCA. Bring the whole family! Walkers are welcome.
Sam Lapidus Montclair Run 2025
- 📅 Date: Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025
- 🕗 Start Time: 8:30 AM for 5K and 10K; 10 AM for 1 Mile Fun Run
- 📍 Location: LJCC, 3960 Montclair Road
- ✅ The Birmingham community flocks to Montclair Road for the Sam Lapidus Montclair Run (SLMR), to celebrate the life of Sam Lapidus while raising funds for the Levite JCC Birmingham and the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders.
32nd Annual Crisis Services of North Alabama Turkey Trot — Huntsville
- 📅 Date: Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025
- 🕗 Start Time: 8:00 AM (5K)
- 📍 Location: Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 1 Festival Plaza
- ✅ Registration for the event is FREE! Sponsored by Move Montgomery with run t-shirts for the first 400 registrants to pick up their race registration materials.
The 5K Gobble Wobble Run/Walk — Montgomery
- 📅 Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
- 🕗 Start Time: 8:00 AM (5K) + free Tiny-Tot 100-yard dash for kids 5 and under (approx. 9:00 AM)
- 📍 Location: University of Alabama in Huntsville, Spragins Hall
- ✅ Family friendly — strollers and wheelchairs welcome, chip timing used, and proceeds support vital crisis services in North Alabama.
TTT: Theatre Turkey Trot — Huntsville
- 📅 Date: Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025
- 🕗 Start Time: 8:00 AM (5K) + 1-Mile Fun Run
- 📍 Location: Ditto Landing, Huntsville — benefits Around the Curtain Community Children’s Theatre
- 🎭 Costumes encouraged; all proceeds support local children’s theatre programming.
Turkey Trot at CrossPlex Junction — Birmingham
- 📅 Date: Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025
- 🕗 Start Time: 8:00 AM
- 📍 Location: Birmingham CrossPlex, 2340 CrossPlex Blvd. 35208
- ✅ A charitable run/walk benefiting the CrossPlex’s Giving Tuesday campaign and local community causes.
Turkey Trot of Morgan County — Decatur
- 📅 Date: Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025
- 📍 Location: Downtown Decatur, 925 Bank St NE
- 🏅 Race Types: 5K run, 5K + optional CrossFit challenge, 1-mile fun run, or “T-shirt only” option (for walkers or supporters)
- 🎽 Benefits United Way of Morgan County. Great for serious runners and casual participants alike.
Chasing Recovery Turkey Trot — Jasper
- 📅 Date: Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025
- 🕗 Start Time: 8:00 AM (5K) + 1-Mile Fun Run at ~8:15 AM
- 📍 Location: Walker County Courthouse front, Jasper, AL
- 🐶 Family friendly — dogs on leashes welcome. Great for participants of all fitness levels.
Trax4MAX Turkey Trot 5k — Florence
- 📅 Date: Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025
- 🕗 Start Time: 8:00 AM (5K) + 1-Mile Fun Run at ~8:10 AM
- 📍 Location: Downtown Florence, First Baptist Church, 209 Walnut Street
- 🎽 Heartwarming and energetic event dedicated to the memory of Max Barnett that benefits the YMCA of the Shoals.
More Than A Run: Community, Charity And Thanksgiving Spirit
Turkey trots are more than just quick runs — many of Alabama’s races support nonprofit causes, raise money for community services, and even help local food banks or social outreach programs. The mix of festive costumes, stroller-pushing families, and wheelchair participants makes them among the most inclusive road events of the year. Turkey trots give people a chance to connect, start their holiday on a positive note, and turn a quiet morning into something joyful and community-driven.
Tips for First-Time Turkey Trotters
- Dress in layers — many Alabama runs start early when temperatures are chilly.
- Wear good shoes — you don’t need to be fast to enjoy a trot, but supportive shoes help especially if you’re walking or pushing a stroller.
- Go with friends or family — group walks are fun and encourage accountability.
- Sign up early — 5Ks fill up fast, especially ones that support local charities.
- Bring some cash — some races offer cocktails, snacks, or gear post-run.
Whether you aim to burn a few extra calories before the feast, give back to charity, or simply enjoy a fun early-morning trot with friends and family, Alabama’s turkey trots offer a welcoming, energizing Thanksgiving tradition. So grab your sneakers, a turkey hat if you like, and join the flock — and start the holiday with purpose, community, and gratitude.
