Coolest Thanksgiving 5Ks and How to Prepare
Thanksgiving is a day where most people indulge their stomachs – but by running a Thanksgiving 5K, it can also be part of your fitness journey. The turkey dinner becomes an added reward for a successful 5K and the training leading up to it. Not to mention the 5K itself usually has a festive holiday atmosphere.
Where should you go for a Thanksgiving run? PowerBlock has picked five of the coolest Thanksgiving 5Ks – but you can also search Google to find a Turkey Trot closest to you. We’re also looking at how to prepare for a 5K so you can cruise to the finish line.
The Best 5K Turkey Trots
1. Feaster Five – Andover, Massachusetts
At the Feaster 5K/5 Miler, you can enjoy a great run and bring home dessert. Not only are the first 5,000 registrants guaranteed a free T-shirt, but the top 9,000 finishers receive a warm apple pie. It’s no surprise more than 10,000 people participate every year.
2. Dana Point Turkey Trot – Dana Point, California
Founded in 1978, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is one of the country’s most popular Thanksgiving races. With its route through scenic Dana Point Harbor and the gorgeous Southern Cal weather, it’s easy to see why. Both 5K and 10K options are available.
3. Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot – Dallas, Texas
The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot is more than just a run. You can run the event by yourself or with a canine friend, and afterward, there are a variety of food trucks, a beer garden and a free family activity center.
4. America’s Trot for Hunger – Washington, DC
Help others enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving by running the Trot for Hunger 5K. It’s the only Thanksgiving Day race in the Nation’s Capital, and all funds raised help those in need. Can’t make it to DC? Participate virtually instead.
5. Surfside Rotary Turkey Trot – Surfside Beach, South Carolina
Who wouldn’t want to spend Thanksgiving on the beach? The Surfside 5K/10K begins along the Myrtle Beach oceanfront and finishes at the Surfside Beach Pier. Participants get a race shirt, a finisher medal made in the U.S. and a goodie bag.
How to Prepare for a 5K Run
Even if you’ve never run before, you can successfully train for a 5K in as little as six weeks. Here are some 5K training tips from our experts:
- Decide in advance what your goal is – whether it’s to set a PR or simply finish- and plan accordingly.
- New runners should start slow with a combination of running and walking, working up to full running. For experienced runners, integrate a mix of easy runs, endurance runs and speed workouts.
- Get proper running shoes and apparel. Running specialty stores have experts on staff that can help you figure out the right footwear.
- Do a warm-up and cool-down before each workout. This will improve mobility and reduce injury risk.
- Do strength training on non-running days. Using PowerBlock dumbbells to strengthen your core and other supporting muscles will improve your running.
- Have fun!