The saying goes there are two types of families on Thanksgiving - the ones that start with mimosas and the ones that run 5Ks. If you're in the latter, we've compiled a list of Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving day races to get you moving before meal time.
Thanksgiving in Columbus isn’t just about turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie—it’s also about staying active and enjoying the holiday spirit! For many, the day starts with a brisk race, and Columbus and its surrounding areas offer various options for those looking to combine fitness with festive fun. A Thanksgiving run are the perfect way to kick off your holiday. More than a million runners agree, as its the most popular race day of the year.
The Flying Feather Four Miler (Dublin)
4 miles // Kid's run
26 minutes from downtown
>> Register Now // $50 - $60 for 4 mile race, $15 for kid's run
Dublin’s Flying Feather Four Miler is a Thanksgiving staple featuring a scenic 4-mile race starting and finishing at the Club at Corazon. Participants over 21 receive a bottle of wine, a premium hoodie, a finisher’s medal, and free race photos. The event supports the 2nd & 7 Foundation and the Columbus Kids Book Bank, which collect books for local classrooms, combining fitness with community support.
Columbus Turkey Trot (Upper Arlington)
5 miles // 2.6 mile walk // Kid's run
14 minutes from downtown
>> Register Now // $50 for 5 or 2.6 mile races, $25 for kid's race
The Columbus Turkey Trot is a well-loved tradition offering a 5-mile race or 2.6-mile walk n' talk through Upper Arlington, all supporting the nonprofit Easterseals. This event also features a Kids Tot Trot for the youngest participants, making it a great family outing. For 2025, finishers will get a quarter-zip and medal, featuring the race logo designed by Thaniel, an Easterseals Early Intervention student. Food trucks and music will add extra excitement to the festive atmosphere.
Thanks For Giving 4-Miler (New Albany)
4 miles // Kid's run
22 minutes from downtown
>> Register Now // $0 Pay What You can
The focus of this race is helping feed the hungry through food and monetary donations. The organizers are partnered with the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, Life Care Alliance and the New Albany Thanksgiving Day Fund. There's no fee to register for this 4-miler in New Albany, though if you want a race T-Shirt, donate $40 or more. For the 200 meter kids run, children should bring canned goods to donate. The race starts in New Albany's Market Square
Delaware Turkey Trot (Delaware)
3.1 miles (5k) // 2 mile walk // Kid's run
34 minutes from downtown
>> Register Now // $45 - $50 for 3.1 or 2 mile races, $12 -20 for kid's run
North of Columbus, the Delaware Turkey Trot offers a wonderful race option on Thanksgiving morning, benefiting the Autism Society of Central Ohio. This event features a roughly 3-mile course and a 2-mile walk. Participants will receive a complimentary bag, a t-shirt, a finisher’s medal, and a tasty dessert! Little Gobblers, ages 8 and under, get their own set of prizes, making it a fun event for the whole family. It's capped at 1,500 runners, so register early.
Halftime
Here are a few more ways to get active around Columbus. Check those out or keep scrolling for more Turkey Trot recommendations.
Thanksgiving Wattle (Grove City)
3.1 miles (5k) // 10 miles (bike ride) // Kid's run
15 minutes from downtown
>> Register Now // $39
The only Thanksgiving Day bike ride we know about is in Grove City at the Thanksgiving Wattle. There's also the Primrose School Children's Run, Turkey Leg 100-meter Run and 5K Walk/Run. Participants receive a pumpkin pie, and finishers of the 5K and Rotisserie Roll get a medal. The event features live music performance, chip timing, and free race photos. It's also inclusive, accommodating athletes of all abilities, and supports the Grove City Food Pantry, aiding local families in need.
Groveport Eye on the Pie 5K (Groveport)
3.1 miles (5k) // Kid's run
20 minutes from downtown
>> Register Now // $40 - $50
One of the newer races on our list, the Eye on the Pie 5k features a one-mile course with runners completing three laps through Groveport Park. Finishers get a shirt and their choice of pie - apple or pumpkin. There's also a Kids Fun Run with a T-shirt for participants, making it a perfect family-friendly event. New this year is a DJ to keep the energy going from pre-race to finish.
The Powell Turkey Trot (Powell)
4 miles // Kid's run
26 minutes from downtown
>> Register Now // $50 - $60
In its 11th year, the Powell Turkey Trot gives finishes a choice of a 4-pack of Nocterra Brewing Beer or a specially designed pair of race socks, in addition to a medal. The 4-mile course goes through downPowell, with the start/finish line by City Hall. There’s also the Gobble Til You Wobble Kids Race for kids. One thing to note, there is no race day packet pickup or registration.
Bexley Turkey Trot (Bexley)
3.1 miles (5k) // 1.24 miles (2k walk) // Kid's run
11 minutes from downtown
>> Register Now // $40 for 5k and 2k, $10 for kid's run
Also celebrating its 11th year, the Bexley Turkey Trot raises funs for the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, providing several race lengths. There's a 5k, 2k walk and 100-yard Tot Trot kid's run. The course goes around the streets of Bexley with minimal elevation changes.
Columbus Hungry Turkey Run (Downtown - Saturday)
1/3 Marathon (8.74 miles) // 6.2 miles (10k) // 3.1 miles (5k) // Kid's run
0 minutes from downtown
>> Register Now // $44 - $100
If you missed a Thanksgiving Day race, or preferred mimosas on Thursday, the Columbus Hungry Turkey Run is your chance to get active on Saturday after Thanksgiving. With options for a 5K, 10K, and 1/3 marathon, runners will enjoy a scenic downtown course that starts at Genoa Park and follows a paved path along the Scioto River. Pretty good way to get ready for The Game later that day.
No matter which event you choose, these Thanksgiving runs offer a fantastic way to stay active and support local causes during the holiday season. Sign up early, lace up your shoes, and enjoy the fun! Check our events calendar for more information.