Gear Up for Turkey Trotting in El Paso

The holiday season is fast approaching, which means it’s almost time for one of America’s favorite Thanksgiving Day traditions – the Turkey Trot! This beloved 5K race takes place in cities across the country on Thanksgiving morning, bringing communities together for some healthy competition and camaraderie before indulging in the big feast.

If you live in or around El Paso, Texas, you’re in luck. The city hosts not just one, but several Turkey Trots and fun runs to choose from. Whether you’re a serious runner gunning for a new PR, or someone who just wants to burn off a few calories before pumpkin pie, there’s a Turkey Trot in El Paso perfect for you.

Here’s a rundown of El Paso’s Turkey Trots, plus some tips for making the most of your Trot experience.

El Paso’s Can’t-Miss Turkey Trots

YMCA Turkey Trot

The YMCA Turkey Trot is El Paso’s original and longest running Turkey Trot, celebrating its 48th year in 2024. This hugely popular 5K takes over downtown starting and finishing at the corner of Virginia and Montana. The flat fast course winds through the city streets and draws over 8,000 participants annually.

The YMCA Turkey Trot is chip timed, with prizes awarded to top finishers. But it’s also a fantastic race for recreational runners, walkers and families. Registration starts at $35. A portion of proceeds benefit the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, which provides scholarships for children’s programs.

A Run for the House Turkey Trot

This newer El Paso Turkey Trot benefits the Ronald McDonald House of El Paso, which provides a home away from home for families with seriously ill children receiving treatment.

The 5K course uses the same streets as the YMCA Turkey Trot. Chip timing is provided, along with division and overall awards. Register solo or create a team. Cost is $35 for adults and $15 for youth.

Fort Bliss Turkey Trot

Fort Bliss holds its own Turkey Trot 10K, 5K and 1 mile fun run on Thanksgiving morning. The races are open to military personnel, their families, and Department of Defense employees and contractors.

The course winds through Fort Bliss. Awards go to top division and team finishers. Registration is $15-25.

Sun City Crit Turkey Trot

For a Turkey Trot with a twist, check out the Sun City Crit. This unique event blends a 5K run with an exciting 40 minute bike race.

Runners complete two laps around the course, then tag team to cyclists who race around the closed crit track. The unique format makes for both fun team competition and spectating. Registration is $40.

Training Tips for Turkey Trot Success

To make the most of your Turkey Trot experience, be sure to train properly leading up to the big day. Here are some tips:

• Start training 8-12 weeks out. Begin training in late September or early October to give your body time to gradually adapt. Start with short, easy runs and build your mileage.

• Do 1-2 longer runs per week. Work up to doing one run per week of 3-5 miles, or about the Turkey Trot distance. This prepares your body and mind to go the distance.

• Add speed work. Add tempo runs and intervals to your trainingplan to build speed and efficiency.

• Include hills. El Paso is flat, but hills build strength. Do them once weekly.

• Cross train. Cycling, swimming and strength training complement running and help prevent injury.

• Allow recovery. Take a rest day after hard workouts and long runs. Sleep and nutrition fuel recovery.

What to Expect on Race Day

If this is your first Turkey Trot, it helps to know what to expect on race day so you can be prepared.

• Get there early. Arrive at least 60 minutes before race start to park, pick up your bib, t-shirt, chip timer, etc.

• Dress for the weather. Thanksgiving morning can be chilly, especially at start time. Dress in light layers you can shed.

• Pin your bib on. Attach your bib number to the front of your shirt with provided safety pins.

• Look for pace signs. Most races have signs indicating pace times to help you line up appropriately at the start.

• Start slow. The excitement makes it easy to start too fast. Take it slow for the first mile before settling into your pace.

• Aid stations have water. Hydrate at regular intervals, especially in El Paso’s dry climate.

• Have fun! High five fans, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy being active on Thanksgiving.

Cross the Finish Strong

Once you cross the finish line, congratulate yourself on a Turkey Trot well run! Here are a few final tips:

• Cool down. Walk for 5-10 minutes to let your heart rate gradually decline.

• Refuel. Drink water or sports drink and have a small snack to replenish.

• Get your finisher medal. Don’t forget to collect your hard-earned bling!

• Thank volunteers. Be sure to thank the volunteers who make these events possible.

• Check your time. Your results will likely be posted same-day online.

• Share your triumph. Post a selfie with your medal or bib on social media.

• Sign up for 2025! Many Turkey Trots offer discounted registration for the following year.

Alternative Ways to Participate

Don’t actually want to run or walk 3-5 miles on Thanksgiving morning? No worries, El Paso’s Turkey Trots offer other ways to take part:

• Virtual options. Some races let you complete the miles on your own time and submit your results.

• Kids races. Many Trots offer a kids fun run of 1/2 mile to 1 mile for little trotters.

• “Sleep in” registration. Sign up but stay in your PJs – you still get the finisher medal!

• Volunteer. Help out as a race volunteer and still experience the excitement.

• Spectate and cheer. Bring cowbells and clever signs to motivate runners along the course.

Get Your Gobble On!

Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, making it the perfect time to set healthy goals and give back to the community. By participating in a Turkey Trot in El Paso, you’ll start your long holiday weekend off on the right foot – maybe even a record-setting one if you PR!

Whichever El Paso Turkey Trot you choose, they all promise a feel-good, healthy way to foster community spirit. And the free fitness motivation and finisher’s award will help you tackle the rest of the holiday season without derailing your goals.

So pull on your running shoes, cue up some peppy music, and get ready to gobble down the streets of El Paso! From the whole family to competitive racers, everyone can trot their way to a great Thanksgiving Day.