Thanksgiving 2026 falls on Nov. 26. Find Florida turkey trots and Thanksgiving morning races, from Jacksonville 5Ks to half marathons.
Florida turkey trots 2026 are lining up for Thanksgiving morning, and a 5K goes with the holiday like turkey and stuffing. Whether you are running to earn your meal, to keep a streak alive, or just to spend the holiday with Jacksonville's running community, there is a race for you. Here are the best Thanksgiving races and turkey trots happening across Florida in 2026.
When is Thanksgiving 2026, and which Florida races are held that day?
Thanksgiving 2026 is Thursday, November 26. Our calendar lists 73 Florida races that morning, from Fernandina Beach to Key West. Most are 5K turkey trots with a kids fun run, and a few go longer: the 30A 10K at Rosemary Beach, the John Boyle 10 Mile in DeLand and the Pie Gobbler half marathon in Ocala.
Thanksgiving morning races at a glance
| Region | Race | City | Distances | Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Florida | Omni Turkey Trot 5K | Fernandina Beach | 5K, 1 mile kids | 8:00 a.m. |
| North Florida | First Coast Turkey Trot | Ponte Vedra Beach | 5K, 1 mile | 8:30 a.m. |
| North Florida | Psych Ed Connections Turkey Trot at Nocatee | Ponte Vedra | 10K, 5K, 1K | 8:00 a.m. |
| North Florida | Fishweir Brewing Thanksgiving Day 5K | Jacksonville | 5K, kids 1K | 9:00 a.m. |
| Panhandle | 30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races | Rosemary Beach | 10K, 5K, 1 mile | 7:30 a.m. (10K) |
| Panhandle | Tallahassee Turkey Trot | Tallahassee | 15K, 10K, 5K, 1 mile | 8:00 a.m. |
| Panhandle | Pensacola Turkey Trot 5K | Pensacola | 5K | 8:00 a.m. |
| Central Florida | Pie Gobbler 5K, 10K and 13.1 | Ocala | Half marathon, 10K, 5K | 8:00 a.m. |
| Central Florida | John Boyle Thanksgiving 10 Mile and 5K | DeLand | 10 mile, 5K, kids dash | 7:30 a.m. (10 mile) |
| Central Florida | Ritz-Carlton Gobbler 5K | Orlando | 5K | 7:30 a.m. |
| Tampa Bay | Achieva Clearwater Turkey Trot | Clearwater | 5K, 1 mile | 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. (5K waves) |
| Tampa Bay | BayCare Wobble Turkey Trot | Lutz | 5K, 1 mile | 7:00 a.m. |
| Tampa Bay | FishHawk Turkey Trot | Lithia | 10K, 5K, 1 mile | 8:00 a.m. |
| Tampa Bay | Thanksgiving 5K by St Pete Running Company | St. Petersburg | 5K | 8:00 a.m. |
| South Florida | 15th Annual Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot | Fort Lauderdale | 5K | 7:30 a.m. |
| South Florida | Miami Turkey Trot | Miami | 10K, 5K, 600 yards | 7:00 a.m. |
| South Florida | Southernmost Turkey Trot 5K | Key West | 5K, 1 mile | 8:00 a.m. |
Every race in the table is on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Start times and distances are from each race's RunSignUp listing, checked October 18, 2026. Prices rise as race day gets closer; the Omni Turkey Trot 5K, for example, is $45 for a chip-timed 5K entry until November 21. Open any race for its current price and registration link.
Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic — Jacksonville
Thanksgiving morning | Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville's premier Thanksgiving race. The Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic draws thousands of runners to the streets of Jacksonville every Thanksgiving morning for a half marathon and 5K through some of the city's most scenic neighborhoods. Sponsored by Community First Credit Union, the race has become a holiday institution for Northeast Florida runners. The half marathon is a favorite for runners targeting a fall PR before winter training begins, and the 5K keeps the whole family involved. Sign up early — this one fills fast.
As of October 18, 2026, we could not find a 2026 registration page for this race. Check the organizer before you plan your morning.
Tony's Turkey Trot — Jacksonville
Thanksgiving morning | Jacksonville, FL
Tony's Turkey Trot is one of Jacksonville's most festive Thanksgiving morning 5Ks, with costumes encouraged and the atmosphere firmly set to holiday mode. The flat, fast course is welcoming to runners and walkers of all paces, and the pre-race energy — full of turkey outfits, pilgrim hats, and enthusiastic families — is a tradition that keeps growing every year. A great choice if you want the community experience without the half marathon commitment.
As of October 18, 2026, we could not find a 2026 registration page for this race. Check the organizer before you plan your morning.
Atlantic Beach Turkey Trot — Atlantic Beach
Thanksgiving morning | Atlantic Beach, FL
Running a turkey trot on the beach on Thanksgiving morning might be the most Florida thing possible. The Atlantic Beach Turkey Trot brings the Jacksonville Beaches community together for a Thanksgiving 5K along the coast, with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop and post-race celebration that sets the tone for the whole holiday. A shorter distance, a festive crowd, and ocean air make this one of the most enjoyable Thanksgiving races in Northeast Florida.
As of October 18, 2026, we could not find a 2026 registration page for this race. Check the organizer before you plan your morning.
Omni Turkey Trot 5K — Fernandina Beach
Thanksgiving morning | Fernandina Beach, FL
Amelia Island's Thanksgiving morning tradition. The Omni Turkey Trot 5K is a well-organized, festive race through the historic streets of Fernandina Beach, one of Florida's most charming small cities. Costumes are always in full force, the course is flat and fast, and the finish line on Amelia Island is hard to beat.
Thanksgiving Races Across Florida
Thanksgiving turkey trots happen across the entire state, from the Panhandle to the Keys. Use the November race filter on Run Florida Run to find a Thanksgiving race near you, or browse by city to see what is happening in your area. More turkey trots from around the state:
- Nov 6 — McIntosh Turkey Trot, Sarasota
- Nov 13 — Hearoes for Hearing Virtual Turkey Trot, Gainesville
- Nov 26 (Thanksgiving Day) — Achieva Clearwater Turkey Trot, Clearwater
- Nov 26 (Thanksgiving Day) — BayCare Wobble Turkey Trot, Lutz
- Nov 26 (Thanksgiving Day) — Wiregrass Turkey Trot, Wesley Chapel
- Nov 26 (Thanksgiving Day) — 2026 FishHawk Turkey Trot, Lithia
- Nov 26 (Thanksgiving Day) — 15th Annual Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot, Fort Lauderdale
- Nov 26 (Thanksgiving Day) — 4th Annual Gulf Coast State College Athletics 5K Turkey Trot, Panama City
Tips for Running a Turkey Trot
- Dress for the occasion. Turkey costumes, pilgrim hats, and inflatable turkey suits are all fair game at turkey trots. Lean into it.
- Register in advance. Thanksgiving morning races fill up weeks ahead of time. Most sell out before November.
- Start easy. If you have been eating well all week, your legs may feel heavier than usual. Start conservatively and enjoy the race.
- Bring the family. Most turkey trots offer a 5K and a 1-mile fun run, making them genuinely family-friendly events.
Browse all Jacksonville races or use the Run Florida Run event search to find a Thanksgiving race near you.
Turkey Trots Near Auburndale, Lakeland and Polk County
Polk County and the surrounding Central Florida towns have a full Thanksgiving-week slate. If you are near Auburndale, these are the closest options:
- Nov 21 — Gobble Wobble, Lake Wales
- Nov 22 — Dream Finders Homes Great Turkey Trot 5K, Clermont
- Nov 22 — Formosa Wine Run Turkey Trot 5K, Kissimmee
- Nov 26 (Thanksgiving Day) — Ultra Ultras Turkey Trot 5K, Lake Wales
- Nov 26 (Thanksgiving Day) — Turkey Day 5K, Clermont
- Nov 26 (Thanksgiving Day) — Cinnamon Roll 5K, Plant City
- Nov 29 — White Elephant 5K/10K, Lakeland
See Every Florida Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving week is the busiest race week of the Florida fall, and new events get added right up to race day. The full November race calendar stays current with every one of them, with dates and registration links. You can also browse by distance — most turkey trots are 5Ks, with a handful of 10Ks and one-mile fun runs alongside them. For December and beyond, the Florida road races calendar covers the rest of the season.
Want a race beyond Thanksgiving morning? Our guide to the best Florida 5K races covers competitive, charity, holiday and fun-run 5Ks, with a South Florida section.
How we built this list: Run Florida Run pulls Florida races from RunSignUp and race organizers into our calendar, and this guide picks the Thanksgiving races from it. The table was compiled with AI help from that calendar and checked by Run Florida Run on October 18, 2026. Races set their own times and prices and can change them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there Thanksgiving races in Jacksonville, FL? expand_more
Yes. Jacksonville-area options on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2026, include the Fishweir Brewing Thanksgiving Day 5K in Jacksonville, the First Coast Turkey Trot in Ponte Vedra Beach, the Psych Ed Connections Turkey Trot at Nocatee and the Omni Turkey Trot 5K in Fernandina Beach. The Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic and Tony's Turkey Trot are traditional Jacksonville races; check the organizers for 2026 details.
What is the Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic? expand_more
The Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic is Jacksonville's largest Thanksgiving race, offering a half marathon and 5K through the streets of Jacksonville every Thanksgiving morning. It is sponsored by Community First Credit Union and draws thousands of runners each year.
When do Thanksgiving races in Florida sell out? expand_more
Most Florida turkey trots and Thanksgiving morning races sell out several weeks before Thanksgiving. If you are targeting a specific race, register as early as possible — popular events like the Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic fill up fast.
What should I wear to a turkey trot? expand_more
Turkey costumes, pilgrim hats, and Thanksgiving-themed outfits are all encouraged at most turkey trots. Underneath the costume, dress in light, moisture-wicking running clothes appropriate for Florida November morning temperatures, which typically range from the low 50s to mid-60s at race time.
Are there half marathons on Thanksgiving in Florida? expand_more
Yes. The Pie Gobbler in Ocala has a half marathon, 10K and 5K on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m. The John Boyle Thanksgiving races in DeLand include a 10 mile, and the Tallahassee Turkey Trot has a 15K. Jacksonville's Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic has traditionally offered a half marathon; check the organizer for 2026.