The Turkey Trot is a popular Thanksgiving tradition in many cities across the United States. This fun 5K or 10K race takes place on Thanksgiving morning before family festivities begin. If you’re considering participating in a Turkey Trot this year, you may be wondering – how much does it cost to enter? Here’s an overview of Turkey Trot entry fees, so you can decide if this event fits your holiday budget.
Turkey Trot Entry Fees
Turkey Trot entry fees can vary quite a bit depending on the city and the length of the race you select, Here are some examples of pricing for major Turkey Trots
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Detroit, MI – The Detroit Turkey Trot offers a 10K for $30-45 and a 5K for $30-45 depending on registration date. There are also 1 mile and combo options.
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Atlanta, GA – Pricing for the Atlanta Turkey Trot ranges from $35-55 for the 5K and $45-65 for the 10K depending on date registered.
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Dallas TX – For the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot 5K fees are $40-50 and 10K fees are $45-55 based on registration timeline.
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New York City, NY – The New York City Turkey Trot has tiered pricing that starts at $53 for the 5K and goes up to $73 for late registration. The 10K is $63-$83.
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Chicago, IL – The Chicago Turkey Trot offers early bird pricing of $35 for the 5K and $45 for the 10K. Regular registration rises to $45 and $55.
As you can see, most major Turkey Trots range from about $30 on the low end up to $80+ for late 10K registration in huge events like NYC. The average seems to be $40-$60 across the board.
Factors Impacting Turkey Trot Entry Fees
Several factors influence how much a particular Turkey Trot will charge. These include:
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Event Size – Larger Turkey Trots with tens of thousands of participants tend to cost more than small local Trots. More attendees means higher organizational costs.
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Location – Races in major metro areas like NYC or Chicago often have higher fees than rural or smaller city Trots. Location affects expenses like security, road closures, etc.
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Distance – The longer 10K races are typically $5-15 more expensive than the 5K option for the same event. You’re paying for more course support.
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Registration Timing – Signing up late or on race day often incurs an additional $10-20 compared to early bird discounts.
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Shirt or Other Premiums – Most Turkey Trots include a commemorative tech shirt. More premium materials or extra swag add to base cost.
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Charity Support – Some Turkey Trots donate proceeds to charity. This worthwhile cause may increase fees slightly.
Maximizing Value at the Turkey Trot
While the base entry fee is one expense, there are ways to maximize your Turkey Trot experience without spending much more:
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Take advantage of early bird discounts and group registration rates if offered.
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Skip paid on-site parking – walk, carpool, or take transit if possible.
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Bring your own pre-race fuel and hydration instead of purchasing on site.
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Don’t pay for extras like gear check, VIP access or “club level” registration tiers unless you really require them. The basic entry gets you in the race!
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If wanting photos, many races provide free downloads vs. paying for prints.
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Get the shirt only if you’ll actually wear it – skips that cost if not needed.
Is the Turkey Trot Worth the Price?
For most runners and walkers, the cost of a local Turkey Trot is certainly reasonable for a fun holiday tradition. The entry fee gives you a professionally timed race on closed streets, shirts and swag, pre and post race food/drinks, and the thrill of participating in a huge community event.
The Turkey Trot provides great motivation to get active before your big holiday feast. And proceeds often go to charity causes as well. If you want a sense of camaraderie and enjoyment of the holiday, the Turkey Trot entry fee is money well spent!
Place227 West Depot Avenue Knoxville, TN US 37902
Date, Time, & Place: Thursday November 28, 2024 in Downtown Knoxville. The Little Gobbler 1-mile Run starts at 8:00. The 5K starts at 8:45.
Course Description: Well be running the same downtown Knoxville course that our participants love and come back year after year for (taking into account the current bridge closure).
Registration & Entry Fee (NO REFUNDS AND NO TRANSFERS): Age Based pricing applies to the 5k. Cyber Monday (11/27-28) – $15 12 and Under: 11/29-8/31: $15 9/1-11/10: $20 11/11-11/28: $35* Ages 13-17: 11/29-8/31: $20 9/1-11/10: $25 11/11-11/28: $35* Age 18+ 11/29-8/31: $25 9/1-11/10: $30 11/9-11/28: $35*
Little Gobbler Run is $10* for 12 and under. Parents may run with their child for the Little Gobbler Run. Parents will not receive a shirt or bib, unless they register for the 5K. If a parent is also running the 5K, we ask that you do not run the Little Gobbler Run with your 5k bib. *no discount codes or coupons apply to day of registration or Little Gobbler Run
T-shirts: Short-sleeved, unisex shirts. Please note our shirt policy: Anyone registering after November 12th will receive shirts while supplies last. The shirt order will be placed on November 13th and when the inventory runs out in the RunSignUp system then there will be no more shirts. No re-orders.
Packet Pick Up Information: Pre-race pickup locations and times will be announced closer to race day. Race Day – 6:30am-7:45am. We strongly encourage you to pick up at one of the early pickup times.
Awards: Awards to the top 3 Overall male/female/open, top Masters (As defined by fastest person age 40 and above, not limited to 40-49) Grandmasters (As defined by fastest person age 50 and above, not limited to 50-59), Senior Grandmasters (As defined by fastest person age 60 and above, not limited to 60-69) male and female. Awards to the top 3 in each age group as well as Overall Clydesdale (men over 200 lbs.) and Overall Athena (Women over 150 lbs.). Awards are based on chip time. Awards will be presented beginning at 9:45.
Team Competition: This race is on the Grand Prix Team Competition schedule. Please visit www.ktc.org for details. Teams must pre-register.
Grand Prix Points: 2024 Grand Prix points will be awarded. To be eligible for Grand Prix awards, you must be a member of the KTC and you must volunteer for at least 3 events.
Refreshments: Light refreshments will be provided post race.
Race Etiquette: Due to insurance regulations, roller blades, bicycles, and dogs are not allowed on the 5K course. Walkers are welcome! The 5K course closes in 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Information: Contact our Event Manager at [email protected]
Results: Complete results will be available on the KTC Website at www.ktc.org.
KTC Safety Policy: The Knoxville Track Club Board of Directors has approved an Event Safety Policy, viewable here: Weather Policy. Please familiarize yourself with it.
Please complete the following survey to help us better understand your race experience.
Gary Richrath – Flying Turkey Trot
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What is the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot?
Welcome to the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot! For over 55 years, the YMCA Dallas Turkey Trot has been a Thanksgiving tradition for families, friends, and athletes of all levels. Join us this year for our annual 5K, 8-mile race, or fun run, and experience the joy of giving back to your community while enjoying a fun-filled day of racing and celebration.
What is the Turkey Trot?
A favorite annual tradition in O’side, the Turkey Trot welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Recognized as one of the Top Trots in the country by Runner’s World Magazine and the Los Angeles Times, the trot attracts visitors from 46 States and 460 cities and benefits the Move Your Feet Before You Eat!® foundation.
What is the S3 Turkey Trot?
General Information The Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot kick off America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White. The S3 Turkey Trot has been a tradition in Detroit for over 40 years! Much more than a variety of races (10k/5k/1 mile and combo events), thousands of participants dress in costumes for the event.
What is the Turkey Trot 5K?
The race takes place on Thanksgiving morning, making it the perfect way to kick off your holiday festivities. You’ll get to enjoy the crisp fall weather and the beautiful scenery of Dallas as you run through the city streets. In addition to being a fun event, the Turkey Trot 5K also supports a great cause.