9 Great Turkey Trots to Try

>> Check out our updated guide to 2012 Turkey Trots here.

Instead of waiting around all day to eat—or picking at this or that while you cook—grab a friend or relative and start the day with an early morning run. It’ll give you time to catch up, enjoy the fall weather, and, of course, preemptively burn off some of those extra calories.  If you’re too busy on T-day, there are runs taking place all weekend long that’ll snap you out of your turkey-and-stuffing-induced comatose. Happy running!

Philadelphia County

Philadelphia Insurance Companies’ 18th Annual Turkey Trot, Thursday, November 25, 2010
Last year, more than 800 Philadelphians took part in this family-friendly 5-mile or 1-mile run. The scenic route takes you through Fairmount Park and will benefit Face to Face, a nonprofit that provides social services for underprivileged families in the Germantown community.

Where: Forbidden Trail along the Wissahickon Creek, Northwestern Avenue and Germantown Avenue
Time: Registration, 7:30 a.m.; 5-mile, 9:00 a.m.; 1-mile, 9:05 a.m.
Cost:  5-mile, $30; 5-mile (12 and under), $10, 1-mile, $20

Delaware County

4th Annual Annunciation BVM Turkey Trot, Saturday, November 27, 2010
Whether you’re ready to conquer a 5K, or want to ease yourself back into activity with the 1.2-mile family fun walk, this run welcomes all abilities. End your morning run with hot and cold refreshments and be on the lookout for special appearances by the Jogging Turkey and Santa Clause. Proceeds from the event will go towards technological upgrades for Annunciation and parish PREP classes.

Where: Annunciation BVM, 401 Brookline Boulevard, Havertown
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Cost: Before November 20: Individual, $20; Family (limit 5), $55; Under 14, $15; After November 20: Individual, $25; Family (limit 5), $60.

St. Bernadette Turkey Trot, Saturday, November 27, 2010
Run off that Turkey dinner at this community-based trot that benefits tuition assistance for school and CCD families of the St. Bernies community. Tons of cash prizes will be awarded in various categories for the 5K Race, which will be followed by a 1-mile family fun walk. We also heard a rumor that Santa may kick off the holiday rounds early with an appearance on an antique fire truck.

Where: St. Bernadette Church & School, Bond & Harper Avenues, Drexel Hill
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Cost: Before November 20: 5k, $20; After November 20: 5K, $25; 1-mile: $12 per person; $50 per family (5+ walkers).

Montgomery County

Tick-Tock Turkey Trot, Sunday, November 21, 2010
At this pre-Thanksgiving 5K trot, the first male and female runner to finish will take home a complimentary turkey, and the first male and female to cross the finish line in seven different age categories will go home with a free pie. But don’t be discouraged if you don’t win either: All participants receive a free t-shirt and have the satisfaction of burning off those last-minute calories before T-day.

Where: Waterworks Park, 230 West 1st Avenue, Trappe
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Cost: $15

2010 Gobble Wobble 5K, Thursday, November 25, 2010
An Abington Community Tradition, the Gobble Wobble has been dubbed “a celebration of fun and fitness before the feast.” With its competitive USATF certified 5K run, complete with an Olympic-style lap around the track finish and automated chip timing, you’re sure to kick those pre-dinner calories to the curb. Make the day a family event with the friendly 2-mile walk followed by post-event refreshments, raffles and a DJ.

Where: Abington YMCA, 432 Easton Road, Abington
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Cost: Pre-registration: Adults, $25; Children 12 and under, $12; Family rate: (3+) Adults, $22; Children, $10; (10+) Adults, $20; Children, $10; Race day: Adults, $30; Children, $12.

A group posing in Turkey Day apparel at last year's Gobble Wobble in Abington.

Chester County

Chester County Turkey Trot, Thursday, November 25, 2010
A fast-paced, flat course, this race loops around the Downingtown Country Club Golf Course and holds a place for runners of all levels. Elite runners who provide a 5K race time that meets the requirements (Male, 19:30; Female, 22:30) begin first, followed by general 5K runners, and eventually those participating in the Kids Dash. The top three male and female finishers will receive cash prizes, and the top three participants in each of the 12 age groups will go home with a homemade pie.

Where: Bj’s Parking Lot on Rt 30, 1008 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown
Time: Registration, 6:30 a.m.; Elite Wave 5K, 8:00 a.m.; 5K, 8:02 a.m.; Kids dash, 9:00 a.m.
Cost: Before November 10: $20; After November 10: $25; Kids: $8.
Contact: 610-696-0115

Turkey Burner 5K Run/Walk, Friday, November 26, 2010
Located in the heart of West Chester’s downtown shopping area, and conveniently taking place on Black Friday, this race is the perfect way to have your workout and reward yourself too. As an extra bonus, the first three male and female finishers will leave with some extra cash in their pockets. All proceeds from the race will benefit the Andrew Hicks Memorial Fund.

Where: 12 West Market Street, West Chester
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Cost: By November 10: $16; After November 10: $20; Kids: $5.
Contact: 610-696-0115

Bucks County

5K Turkey Bowl Race, Thursday, November 25, 2010
For the more competitive, cross-country runners, this 5K race will take you through the campgrounds and around the lake of Tel Hai Camp, where you’ll experience a mixture of terrains including paved, gravel, and grassy paths, as well as a few small hills. To keep the kiddies active, the 1-mile children’s fun run will also be taking place and parents are invited to run alongside their children at no additional cost.

Where: Tel Hai Camp & Retreat, 31 Lasso Drive, Honey Brook
Time: Registration, 8:00 a.m.; Fun Run, 9:10 a.m.; 5K Race, 9:35 a.m.
Cost: Before November 11: 5K, $16; After November 11: 5K, $22; Fun Run: $8 per child.

Cape May County

The Fast and the Furriest Turkey Trot, Thursday, November 25, 2010
For those of you spending your holiday weekend Shore-side, this 5K race and 1-mile fun run allows you to get one final workout in before the T-day feast begins and  enjoy the ocean air as you run along the boardwalk. Proceeds from the run benefit the Ocean City Police Department’s K-9 Unit and the Humane Society of Ocean City, a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats.

Where: Ocean City Boardwalk, Music Pier, between 8th and 9th Street on the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Cost: Before November 21: Individual, $25; Family of 4, $80; Race day: $30 per person; 1-mile: $10 per person.

Where will you be running pre- and post-turkey? Did we leave a great Turkey Trot off the list? Tell us in the comments below!