Start a new (healthy!) family tradition and sign up for a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot!

I’m not a runner. I really don’t run. Ever. Unless I’m being chased, and thankfully, that’s not very often.

If you are a runner, or even more of a walker like me, the Seacoast’s many local communities are hosting holiday-themed races in and around Thanksgiving suitable for families and kids of all ages. Check one out and start a new Thanksgiving tradition with your family.

2023 Races

Hampton Falls Tiger Trot
Saturday, November 18
On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, lace up your running shoes for the Annual Tiger Trot Road Race! This race through picturesque Hampton Falls (think horse farms and foliage) includes a 1-mile kids’ race and a 5k run for both novice and elite runners. Hosted by and benefiting the Lincoln Akerman School PTO, the 1-Mile Kid Run is $25 (starts at 9:30am), 5K Run is $40 (starts at 10:00am). Visit tigertrot.org for more info or to register.

Thanks for Giving 5K-10K
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23
Start your Thanksgiving morning off right with the Exeter Run Club’s annual ‘Thanks for Giving’ 5K and 10K family run/walk. 10K runners will do a double loop of the 5K course. Course will run through the beautiful community of Exeter, NH. This will be a flat and fast course and especially encouraging for families to participate. Online Registration is $30 for individual 5K, $75-$95 for a family and the 10K individual is $45. Race kicks off at 8:00am at Talbot Gymnasium, 40 Linden Street, Exeter, NH.  For more info, visit exeterrunclub.com.

Dover Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23
This family-friendly 5K is designed for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Serving as a fundraiser for the Garrison School PTA, proceeds benefit enrichment activities, family and community events, classroom supplies, artist in residency programs and field trips outside of the school district’s budget. Cost is $25 for adults; $12/Grade 4 & under (both prices increase by $5 if you register on race day). Prizes will be awarded. All participants must walk or run the entire race to be eligible for prizes.  Prizes will be presented in the Garrison School gym immediately following the race. Race starts at 8:30am. For more info or to register, visit doverturkeytrot.com.

Derry Turkey Trot 5K Road Race
Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23
This scenic 5K which starts at Galliens Town Beach takes you along the residential areas of Beaver Lake. They also offer a virtual race to participate in. In-person Registration: $25 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under (both prices increase by $5 if you register on race day). Virtual registration $10 per person. All participants are requested to bring a donation of any non-perishable canned good or dry food item to benefit the food pantries in the Greater Derry area. Race starts at 9am. To pre-register or for more info, visit gdtc.org.

Free Fall 5k
Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23
Hosted by the Rochester Runners Club, the Free Fall 5k course starts at the Community Center and finishes on Chestnut Hill Road. This is a fast and flat out and back USATF certified course. Registration fees $25 (18+) $20 (ages 13-17), $15 (ages 7-12) and free for 6 and under. On the day of the race registration fees are $30 (18+) $25 (ages 13-17), $20 (ages 7-12) and free for 6 and under. The race starts at 8:30am. For more info or to register, visit freefall5K.com.

Seacoast Rotary Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23
Starting at Peirce Island at 8:30am and finishing at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, the annual 5K Turkey Trot welcomes families, friends, runners, walkers, strollers—anybody and everybody who wants to get their body moving pre-turkey! Costs: Youth (ages 12 and younger) $10; Teen (Ages 13-19) $20; Adult (age 20+) $30. Race starts at 8:30am. Costumes are welcome (encouraged) so get out there and have some fun! For more info or to register, visit the website.

Newfields Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23
The Annual 5K Turkey Trot will be held Thanksgiving morning at 9am beginning at the rail trail on Old Lee Rd. There is no fee or registration required.

Maudslay Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 23
Begin Thanksgiving Day at 8:20am in one of Massachusetts’s most picturesque state parks by running the 32nd Annual Newburyport Maudslay 3.1 mile X-Country Run/Walk. Run with family, friends, neighbors! Organized by Turkeys for the 30th straight year. Parking is FREE to runners on race day. Race starts at 8:20am. Adult cost is $30, under 18 is $25. Register at the website

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