While most of us will be spending the bulk of Thanksgiving semi-comatose on the couch watching a grab bag of football, parade footage, and/or Law & Order: SVU marathons, other residents of Westchester County will be getting out, getting exercise, and supporting worthy local organizations.
Thanksgiving week marathons, races, walks, and fun runs — collectively referred to as “turkey trots” — are a great way to stay healthy and work off a few of those extra calories in Westchester. (So go ahead and have that third slice of pie.) They’re also a fantastic way to support local organizations’ fundraising efforts.
If you’d like to compete or just cheer on someone else, here are the Westchester County turkey trots you should look for in 2023.
CHHOP Turkey Trot – November 18
Downtown, Peekskill
CHHOP — Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill — will host its annual one-mile fun run the weekend before Thanksgiving, on Saturday, November 18 at 9 a.m. You can register on the website here. In-person registration starts at 8 a.m. As a registration “fee,” participants are asked to bring one frozen turkey, ham, or chicken for donation, to be distributed after the race to locals in need.
The Village of Mamaroneck Turkey Trot and Gobbler Race – November 19
Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck
The village parks and rec department’s 57th annual event at Harbor Island Park will go down the Sunday before Thanksgiving and include two options. Race-day registration opens at 8 a.m. with a one-mile “Gobbler Race” commencing at 9:45 a.m. A 5k Turkey Trot will take off once the Gobbler Race ends.
Registration is $20 for the Gobbler Race in advance or $25 on the day, while guests can preregister for the 5k for $40 or sign up the day of for $45. All registrants receive a free commemorative T-shirt and medal.
Trudy Dunbar Memorial 5K Turkey Trot – November 19
Pierson Park, Tarrytown
Tarrytown’s annual 5k turkey trot takes place the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The one-mile “Gobble Trot” starts at 9 a.m., and the 5k starts at 9:30 a.m. Both races start and finish at Pierson Park. Pre-registration is $35 beforehand and $40 for the day of, and runners can register here. Division winners receive a turkey.
Peter K. Oley Turkey Trot – November 19
Dows Elementary School, Irvington
Peter Oley was a longtime admired coach of the Irvington High School track and cross country teams for 50 years. The race has been held every year since 1978, starting at the elementary school and looping through the village to complete a 2.5-mile course. Runners can sign up on the website; registration is $30 for Irvington residents and $35 for non-Irvington residents. Registration ends on November 18 at 12 p.m.
The Westchester County Turkey Trot 5k/10k – November 23
Westchester Community College, Valhalla
The county’s namesake walk/run comes in both 5k and 10k options at 9 a.m. for more experienced racers, as well as a Kids Dash at 8:45 a.m. This year’s charity partner is Hillside Food Outreach in Queens. Duck Donuts is waiting for you at the finish line with its locally famous donuts. Awards will go to the top three male and female finishers in each age group.
Preregistration is $42.99 for both timed and untimed 5k entrants ($60 after November 15) and $47.99 for 10k entrants. Kids 11 and younger may sign up for the 5k for $12.99, and those eight and younger can participate in the dash for free. Not feeling the crowds? Sign up to time yourself for a virtual 5k for $37.99 or the 10k for $37.99.
View this post on Instagram
The New Rochelle Turkey Trot – November 23
Hamilton Ave, New Rochelle
The city’s seventh annual New Rochelle Turkey Trot will also take place on Thanksgiving Day. In-person registration is the day before the race at Finish Line PT. Bib pickup opens at 7:30 a.m. the day of the race followed by a free 200m “Tot Trot” for kids five and younger at 8:45 a.m. and a Kid’s Mile at 9 a.m. for those 10 and younger.
The main 5k race kicks off at 9:30 a.m. and will loop through the city’s Historic District before culminating in an awards ceremony at 10:15 a.m. Registration is $15 for the Tot Trot, $20 for the Kid’s Mile, and $40 for the adult 5k. Online registration closes at 5 p.m. on November 22. All proceeds will benefit local charities.
Senator Terrence Murphy’s Annual Hudson Valley Turkey Trot – November 23
Downtown, Yorktown Heights
The northern Westchester fun run isn’t scored, but you can still track your time for bragging rights! The race begins at 8:30 a.m. near Front St., and participants can walk or run at their own pace, just as long as they finish by 10 a.m. Registration is $35 and ends at midnight the night before, with all proceeds benefiting local food pantry St. Mary’s, as well as volunteer military delivery service United for the Troops. Last year the race raised over $11,000.
Turkey Run & Paws Walk – November 25
Rye Recreation Park, Rye
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, head to Rye for Small Business Saturday, sure, but also for the annual Turkey Run & Paws Walk. Register online with your Community Pass for $15 until November 21, or for $20 on the day of the event.
Check-in opens at 8 a.m., and the pet-friendly one-mile Paws Walk starts in the morning at 9 a.m., followed by a one-mile fun run at 9:30 a.m. and the 5k/10k main event at 10 a.m.
Related: Where to Get Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go in Westchester
