With the food-filled holiday Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about burning off those impending calories. Face it, between the multiple servings of stuffing and slices of pumpkin pie it’s best to jog it out before stuffing your face with mounds of food and adult beverages.
So whether you’re interested in pounding the pavement this weekend or sweating it out on Thanksgiving day, here is a complete list of turkey trots in the Boston-area.
Saturday, 11/15 – Sunday, 11/16
Littleton Turkey Trot
Where: Littleton, MA
When: Saturday, November 15, 9 a.m.
What: For $25 start your weekend off on a healthy foot at this 5K run or walk this weekend. The first 110 participants to sign up receive a free t-shirt! What are you waiting for?
Shining Stars Turkey Trot 5K
Where: Brockton, MA
When: Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m.
What: Lace up your kicks and head on over to this turkey trot for a good cause. According to their site, “Proceeds from this race will go to support the development of afterschool enrichment programs for adolescents and adults in local schools, as well as, spreading awareness of the need for new programs and services.”
Registration rates ranges from $25-30 depending on if you want to run or walk.
Saturday, 11/22 – Sunday, 11/23
Charles River Turkey Trot
Where: Boston, MA
When: Saturday, November 22, 9 a.m.
What: This organized 5K includes a bag check, post-race refreshments and even water stops along the scenic Charles River route!
Kingston 5K Turkey Trot
Where: Kingston, MA
When: Saturday, November 22, 9 a.m.
What: If you’re a speedy runner, it might be worth your while to check out this turkey trot! First place finishers for both male and females are awarded cash prizes! Quite the incentive for a 3.1-miler.
Milton 5K Gobbler
Where: Milton, MA
When: Saturday, November 22, 9 a.m.
What: Live in or around Milton? Grab your friends and pound the pavement at this road race. This 5K is not just a way to improve your own health, funds raised from this race go towards the Best Buddies programs all throughout Massachusetts.
Westborough Turkey Trot
Where: Westborough, MA
When: Saturday November 22, 9 a.m.
What: For $25 head over to Westborough High School for a hilly road race bound to be a blast. With tech t-shirts given to those who register (quantities limited) your best bet is to sign up today!
America’s Hometown Thanksgiving 5K/1M
Where: Plymouth, MA
When: Sunday, November 23, 10 a.m.
What: Whether you want to run 3.1-miles or a simple 1-miler, this race will have you running through the historic roads of Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Essex Lions Club Turkey Trot
Where: Essex, MA
When: Sunday, November 23, 1 p.m.
What: This is a unique distance for a race clocking in at 8K — 4.97 miles. But, if the nearly 5-miler is too much for you pre-mashed potatoes and gravy, this race also has a ‘fun walk’.
Slattery’s Turkey Trot
Where: Fitchburg, MA
When: Sunday, November 23, 11:30 a.m.
What: As the 34th straight year for this holiday road race, there’s no doubt you’ll be in good company. Did we mention there is an $800 cash prize for the 1st place male and female finishers? Dust off those Nikes, it’s time to start running.
Lynnfield Rotary 5K Turkey Trot
Where: Lynnfield, MA
When: Sunday, November 23, 9:30 a.m
What: With the start and finish line positioned at the brand new MarketStreet in Lynnfield, you can get your workout done before hitting up the shops or grabbing a pint at the Yard House. Talk about a reward!
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, 11/27
Chatham Turkey Trot
Where: Chatham, MA
When: Thursday, November 27, 8 a.m.
What: Chatham isn’t just a summertime town. For those flocking to the Cape on turkey day, you should definitely sign up for this 5K. In addition to the $15 registration fee, participants are asked to bring a bag of nonperishable groceries that will later be donated to the Lower Cape Outreach Council.
Dedham Turkey Trot 5K
Where: Dedham, MA
When: Thursday, November 27, 8:30 a.m.
What: Preheat the oven and set your timer, heading out for this 3.1-miler is a great way to get the family together before sitting down and sharing a delicious feast.
Franklin Park Turkey Trot 5K
Where: Dorchester, MA
When: Thursday, November 27, 9 a.m.
What: Start your Thanksgiving day off with a run around the Emerald Necklace at this holiday 5K. Costumes are encouraged!
Gobble Gobble Gobble 4 Miler
Where: Somerville, MA
When: Thursday, November 27, 9 a.m.
What: This may be one of the more highly anticipated pre-pumpkin pie road races this season. With many showing up in costume and a field size of 3,000 participants, it’s safe to say Davis Square will be filled with a lot of turkeys.
Stow Gobbler 5K
Where: Stow, MA
When: Thursday, November 27, 8 a.m.
What: At this Stow race, it’s all about raising money for Habitat for Humanity and the Stow Community Chest. According to their site, “in 2013 the race featured over 960 runners/walkers and raised more than $15,000 for these charities!”
Image via Shutterstock
