8 Turkey Trots in the Washington DC Area

ByKelley Smith

Turkey Trots in the Washington, DC area offer a great opportunity to enjoy time with your community and support some great organizations. Many races feature both timed 5K runs and more casual walks. Some even include a virtual option, so you can donate and race around your neighborhood without impacting Thanksgiving Day plans.

No matter your fitness level (or energy level on the day of Thanksgiving!), there is a chance to participate in turkey trots around the DMV and donate to organizations supporting our community. All races take place on Thanksgiving Day 2024 unless otherwise noted.

Path with fall trees.

Neighborhood Race Routes

All turkey trots are in person this year, but many have virtual options or the chance to donate without racing. And let’s be real – getting up before 9 am on a holiday is hard for some of us! If you still want a 5k walking or running trail, here are a few options you can do on your own.

  • The National Mall: Start at the Lincoln Memorial and walk straight across the mall to the National Air and Space Museum (round trip: 3.2 miles). 
  • The US Capitol: 2 laps around the US Capitol (3.2 miles). Start at Union Square and walk down 3rd Street SW, Independence Ave SW, 1st Street SW, and Constitution Ave SW. 
  • Rock Creek Park: The Historic Loop is an easy, dog-friendly 1.6-mile walk. Walk around twice for about the length of a 5K. 
  • 10K with a river view: The Georgetown Loop is 6.7 miles or go the extra mile (literally) on the Anacostia River Walk at 7.8 miles. Both are dog (leashed) and stroller-friendly. 
  • Clopper Lake: Clopper Lake near Gaithersburg, MD is about 3.2 around the lake. It can get busy so plan your trip earlier in the day. 
  • Black Hill Regional Park: Slightly north of Germantown, get lost in the woods on this 3.8 mile loop. Dog friendly. 
  • Burke Lake Park: The loop around the lake at Burke Lake in Virginia is a little longer than a 5K (4.7 miles). However, it is a beautiful fall run (or stroll) plus it is stroller and dog (leashed) friendly. 

Looking for Thanksgiving dinner options in DC? Check out this blog!

Trot for Hunger in Washington, DC

Trot for Hunger: The Trot for Hunger is the only turkey trot in the District on Thanksgiving Day. This year, join virtually or in person at Freedom Plaza at 9:15 am to raise money for SOME (So Others Might Eat). SOME supports the DC community by providing meals, housing, job training, social services, and healthcare for those in need. If you race in person, stay after the race for a “Best Dressed Turkey” competition (9:30 am) and stick around for a family-friendly festival with music and activities until 11:00 am.

Turkey Trots in Virginia

Alexandria Turkey Trot: The Alexandria Turkey Trot will support ALIVE! This local charity helps Alexandria families in need. Join them in person on Thanksgiving Day at 9 am on Mount Vernon Ave and help collect food for ALIVE! This race is family and pet-friendly. Dogs must be on a short leash if participating in the race.

Arlington Turkey Trot: Join the Christ Church of Arlington on Thanksgiving Day at 8 am about 1 block from the church. Registration is $50 for adults, $25 for children ages 6 to 17, and free for children under 5. Proceeds will benefit 18 local organizations in the Arlington area. Dogs and strollers are welcome. 

Vienna Turkey Trot: Not ready to commit to a race on Thanksgiving Day? Join the Vienna Turkey Trot on the Sunday before Thanksgiving (November 24) at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. This race raises money for the Madison High School Marching Band and the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. Run a 5K or 10K at 8:30 am or join the Kid Fun Run at 8 am. 

Fairfax Turkey Trot: This four-mile race loops through the Mantua neighborhood. Register for the Fairfax Turkey Trot to support Britepaths (formerly Our Daily Bread). Britepaths helps local, low-income families. Join the race at 9 am on Thanksgiving Day!

Virginia Run Turkey Trot: Join Virginia Run in Centreville, VA for their neighborhood turkey trot. This race includes a 5k and a 2k walk so all fitness levels can participate. The 5K kicks off at 8 am followed by the 2k walk at 8:05 am. This trot raises funds for American Boy, an organization supporting those struggling with addiction. Register before November 5 for a discount.

Prince William Turkey Trot: The Prince William Turkey Trot begins at the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center in Manassas on Thanksgiving Day. This event includes a 5K at 8:30 am and a Mashed Potato 1 mile at 9:30 am. Proceeds will go to Hero’s Bridge, an organization supporting veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. 

Trot for a Cause in Maryland

Turkey Chase in Bethesda: The Turkey Chase in Bethesda is one of the largest races in Maryland. Join them on Thanksgiving Day for a 10K (8:30 am) or a 2-mile walk (9:00 am) to raise money for the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Bethesda Chevy Chase Rotary. You can also participate in their virtual run, bike, or swim events.

Laurel Turkey Trot: Join the Laurel Turkey Trot for their in-person 5K and 1-mile race. Join them on Thanksgiving Day at 8 am at McCullough Field. Proceeds benefit Laurel Advocacy Referral Services, helping local low-income families and the homeless. Runners are encouraged to wear fun costumes for a chance to win a prize and take photos in the photo booth. Children, leashed dogs, and strollers are welcome.