The turkey trot is a popular Thanksgiving tradition, with races taking place across the country on Thanksgiving morning But do you have to run the entire race? Or can you walk some or all of it if running isn’t your thing?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely walk the turkey trot if you want to! Most turkey trots are open to both runners and walkers. Here’s what you need to know about walking the turkey trot.
You Don’t Have to Run the Entire Race
One of the great things about turkey trots is that they welcome participants of all fitness levels and abilities. Plenty of people walk the entire 3-5 mile distance rather than running. And many others take a combination approach, alternating between jogging and walking intervals
So if you’re worried you can’t run the whole way, don’t be! It’s perfectly acceptable to walk as much or as little of the course as you want. Turkey trots aren’t just for serious runners.
Check the Event Website for Details
To confirm the walking policy for a particular turkey trot, check the race website or FAQ section. Most state clearly that walkers are allowed and encouraged.
For example, the FAQ for the Denver Turkey Trot states “You can walk, run, moon walk or skip.” And the Buffalo YMCA Turkey Trot FAQ says “Runners of all ages and abilities” participate.
If you don’t see a clear policy, contact the race organizers directly to find out. Chances are excellent they’ll give walkers the green light.
Walk at Your Own Pace
One of the perks of walking a turkey trot is you can go at your own pace without worrying about timing or competition. While some walkers like to maintain a brisk 15-16 minute per mile pace, there’s no need to push yourself. Strolling along at 20-30 minutes per mile is also fine.
Enjoy the experience without worrying about speed, Stop to take fun photos or chat with others along the way, Turkey trots are as much about community as competition for many participants
Start Near the Back of the Pack
Most turkey trots have self-seeded start corrals, with faster runners up front and slower participants toward the back. If you plan to walk the entire race, position yourself in one of the final corrals.
This helps avoid congestion since you’ll be passed by faster runners. You don’t want to unintentionally slow down competitive racers if you’ll be maintaining an easy walking pace.
Stay to One Side on Narrow Sections
On narrow course sections, keep to the right or left side of the road to allow runners to pass easily. This is both courteous and safer. Feel free to cheer on runners as they go by!
Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes
While serious runners wear lightweight racing flats, you’ll want supportive walking shoes with good cushioning if you’re going on foot. Break them in beforehand to prevent blisters on race day.
Many walkers also prefer to wear comfortable regular clothes rather than technical running gear. The exception is on cold race days when warm athletic wear is advised.
Hydrate and Fuel Well
Stay hydrated by sipping water along the course and have a hearty breakfast to fuel up. Granola bars, bananas, and other portable snacks are also smart to bring if it’s a longer 5K+ race.
Enjoy the Experience
Most importantly, have fun! Walking a turkey trot is a great way to get moving on Thanksgiving without having to run. You’ll burn calories, enjoy festive fall weather, and soak up the community atmosphere.
Others Walking the Turkey Trot
You definitely won’t be the only one walking if you opt to go on foot. Here are some of the other participants you can expect to see walking the turkey trot:
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Families – Parents often walk with small children or stroll while pushing strollers. Walking allows everyone to participate together.
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Beginner runners – Many use the turkey trot as their first running race, and alternate walking intervals with short jogs.
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Seniors – Older adults may prefer an easy walk to running through the race. Walking is lower impact.
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Walking groups – Friends who regularly walk for exercise enjoy doing so together on Thanksgiving.
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Dogs – People walking their costumed pups often maintain a relaxed walking pace.
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Those recovering from injury – Walking allows participation without aggravating injuries.
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Social walkers – Many see it as a fun holiday outing with friends rather than a competitive race.
Final Thoughts
So don’t be afraid to walk the turkey trot if you aren’t up for running the full 3-5 miles. The Thanksgiving races are intended to be enjoyable community events for all ages and fitness levels.
Take it at your own pace, fuel properly, and have fun interacting with the other walkers and runners. The turkey trot is a terrific way to get moving before that big holiday feast!
How Can We Help?
The Festival Foods Turkey Trot always takes place on Thanksgiving Day at a variety of locations throughout Wisconsin. We hope to answer any questions you may have here, but if you are still unsure, feel free to contact us.
Packet pickup will close at 7:30 on Thanksgiving morning in order to allow all Trotters the time to be ready for the 8:00 AM start at each communitys start line.
A: The event will not be accepting cash payments. Please plan to bring your debit and/or credit card for any on-site purchases.
*Event accepts all major credit cards.
A: Proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA in each community where it takes place.
A: Choose your location from the Event Info page and then click on the “Register Now” button to be redirected to the online registration page. Online registration is available through Thanksgiving morning until 7:30 a.m.
A: No, only the 5-Mile Run is a timed event.
A: Yes. The timed results from the 5-Mile Run will be posted on our website late afternoon on Thanksgiving Day.
A: Yes, you may walk the 5-Mile Run. However, you should only do so if you can maintain a pace of 18 minutes per mile or faster, and finish prior to 9:30 a.m. This cut-off time is established as a courtesy to our volunteers who have family obligations on the Thanksgiving holiday.
A: Strollers and wagons are permitted with restrictions — all participants with strollers or wagons must start at the back of each group to minimize tripping hazards. Competitive running with jog strollers is strongly discouraged and could jeopardize future access of stroller participants in this event.
A: No. You do not need to pay for a young child who is being pushed or pulled in a stroller or wagon. The only reason you might consider registering them is if you would like them to receive a shirt and pie — only paid participants will receive a pie and shirt.
A: No. The only “wheels” allowed on the race course are strollers or wagons for transporting the younger members of the family and wheelchairs. No bikes, no inline skates, no skateboards, no Big Wheels, no trikes, no exceptions. We do ask that anyone using acceptable wheels start at the back of their wave.
A: Dogs who are well socialized, non aggressive and up-to-date on vaccinations are welcome. All participants who bring a dog will start at approximately 8:15 a.m. or after all other participants have crossed the starting line.
A: Every start line is different depending on your location of choice, however each communities Dog Jog participants are requested to line up behind our 2-Mile participants. Visit your community page for specific details.
A: You may wear your music listening device, however, please keep the volume at a low enough level so that you can hear course officials and fellow participants. This is for your own safety and shows good running course etiquette!
A: There will be ONE fluid station serving water at the halfway point of the 5-Mile Run. There will be no fluid stations on the 2-Mile Walk/Fun Run. Water will be served at the finish line — if you require more fluids, please feel free to bring your own.
A: Yes. Each of the top five overall finishers (male and female) across the finish line for the 5-Mile Run will receive a $20 Festival Foods gift card handed out at the finish line. There will be no awards ceremony at the event. The 5-Mile Run will offer chip timed results that will be posted online late afternoon on Thanksgiving Day. There are no awards given for the 2-Mile events as they are not a timed event.
A: If you registered more than one person, you will receive a summary email including all registrants and then each individual registrant will also receive an email.
Thanksgiving Beginner Workout | Turkey Trot Walk At Home
FAQ
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