Turkey Trots: An Annual Thanksgiving Charity Drive

The Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving tradition that reminds us the importance of helping our community. Whether it’s raising money for a local food locker or national charity, Turkey Trots invite people to use the Thanksgiving holiday to give something back.

Turkey Trots have been a longstanding tradition in the United States that predates the National Football League’s slate of afternoon games. The first Turkey Trot is believed to have occurred in Buffalo, New York in 1896, according to the YMCA.

Henry A. Allison was one of six runners who ran the five-mile dirt track that Thanksgiving Day. He took first place, and a tradition was born.

Here’s a list of some of the Turkey Trots around the country that may be a quick drive away:

Turkey Trot for Teal 7, Herald, California: This 3.1-mile walk/run raises money for the children’s cancer foundation Strong-as-Steele.

Run to Feed the Hungry, Sacramento, California: November 23. Sacramento, California. This annual event requires registration and includes both a 10k and a 5k run.

Run for Food, Chico, California: This 12th annual run is the largest event in Chico and features a 5k walk/run.

Thanksgiving Day Charity Run, Huntington, New York: This event begins at 8:30 a.m. and participants often wear costumes to the annual event.

Folsom Turkey Trot, Folsom, California: Both a 5k and 10k is offered at this annual event in the town famous for its state prison. Proceeds benefit the Twin Lakes Food Bank and Never In Our Town youth scholarship.

Run and Walk Against Hunger, Stockton, California: Thirteenth annual event that benefits the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin.

108th Annual Thanksgiving Day 10k Run & Walk, Cincinnati, Ohio: Support charities like the Ronald McDonald House, Girls on the Run, Alzheimer’s Association, Goodwill, Accounting for Kids, Barrett Cancer Center, Literacy Network and more.

Father Joe Villages Thanksgiving 5k, San Diego, California: This 16th annual event features a 5k and helps the shelter serve the nation’s fourth largest homeless population.

Huffing For Stuffing, Bozeman, Montana: This 11th annual event features a 10k, a 5k, and a children’s run. Event organizers hope to have 5,000 participants.

Thanksgiving Day MS Run, Wilmington, Delaware: The 39th annual event raises money for treatment and research of multiple sclerosis.

Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot, San Jose, California: This event raises funds for hungry families, affordable housing, and vision screenings for those in need.

Festival Food’s 10th Annual Turkey Trot, Appleton, Wisconsin: Funds raised from this event benefit the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of America.

Festival Food’s 10th Annual Turkey Trot, Onalaska, Wisconsin: Funds raised from this event benefit the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of America.

Festival Food’s 10th Annual Turkey Trot,  Eau Claire, Wisconsin: Funds raised from this event benefit the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of America.

Festival Food’s 10th Annual Turkey Trot,  Fond Du Loc, Wisconsin: Funds raised from this event benefit the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of America.

Festival Food’s 10th Annual Turkey Trot,  Green Bay, Wisconsin: Funds raised from this event benefit the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of America.

Festival Food’s 10th Annual Turkey Trot,  Janesville, Wisconsin: Funds raised from this event benefit the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of America.

Festival Food’s 10th Annual Turkey Trot, Madison, Wisconsin: Funds raised from this event benefit the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of America.

Festival Food’s 10th Annual Turkey Trot,  Manitowoc, Wisconsin: Funds raised from this event benefit the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of America.

Festival Food’s 10th Annual Turkey Trot,  Marshfield, Wisconsin: Funds raised from this event benefit the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of America.

Festival Food’s 10th Annual Turkey Trot,  Oshkosh, Wisconsin: Funds raised from this event benefit the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of America.