Ahhhhhhh, Turkey Day. A day of rest, football, and even running for those ambitious enough to attempt a half.
It’s also the perfect time of year to run a 13.1-miler if you’ve begun a training program in August or September, and running can assuage any guilt you might have for eating more than you might have planned on.
There’s plenty more races on Thanksgiving Day, so be sure to check out more events here.
1) Atlanta Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon • Atlanta, GA
Along with its July 4th Peachtree Road Race, Atlanta’s Thanksgiving Day half-marathon is the granddaddy of the now-long list of road running events in Georgia, and celebrates its 34th annual running this year.
Thursday, Nov. 22 • Complete race info »
2) Impact Racing Ministries Tough Turkey Half Marathon • Griffin, GA
Ready for a scenic, small-town run through the heart of this community just outside Atlanta? You’ll support the efforts of a local nonprofit with your entry fees, and follow a point-to-point course that finishes at the Waffle House, where waffles and chocolate milk will be waiting for you after the race.
Thursday, Nov. 22 • Complete race info »
3) Las Vegas Turkey Trot Half Marathon • Boulder City, NV
Combine a run through a desert-like environment, the crystal-blue waters of Nevada’s Lake Mead nearby and the majestic Hoover Dam in the distance to get an idea of what it’s like at this race, which features everything from a one-miler up to 13.1 miles.
Thursday, Nov. 22 • Complete race info »
4) Skinny Turkey Half Marathon • Raleigh, NC
This race works to raise awareness of the mission of Raleigh’s Just Think First program, which works to educate local teenagers and youths on the dangers of drugs and alcohol as well as issues related to violence, gangs, sex and the perils of peer pressure.
Thursday, Nov. 22 • Complete race info »
5) Thanksgiving Distance Classic Half Marathon • Jacksonville, FL
A fast and flat race that takes runners along a course that’s just a stone’s throw from the St. John’s River that cuts through the heart of Jacksonville, the Thanksgiving Distance Classic Half Marathon takes runners through the section of the city known as the Southside.
Thursday, Nov. 22 • Complete race info »
6) Thankful 13 Half Marathon • Lehi, UT
Eight miles of paved running, walking and biking trails that are closed to car traffic await at this race that features a mostly flat course, with only 74 feet of elevation change, perfect for those who don’t want to challenge themselves too much on Turkey Day.
Thursday, Nov. 22 • Complete race info »
7) Tryptophan Half Marathon • Cumming, GA
Earn your right to indulge to your heart’s desire on Thanksgiving Day with a run down and back up the Big Creek Parkway just outside Atlanta at this race, run along a combination boardwalk and concrete trail that winds through the area known as Big Creek.
Thursday, Nov. 22 • Complete race info »
8) Turkey Trot at the Marina Half Marathon • Long Beach, CA
Part of a series of small marathon and half marathon races that take place throughout the year in Southern California — many of these races attract a few dozen participants — this half features oceanfront views along the course, and is run around the city streets of Long Beach.
Thursday, Nov. 22 • Complete race info »
9) Zoom Turkey Trot Half Marathon • San Jose, CA
Held along San Jose’s popular running, walking and biking Coyote Creek Trail, this race unfolds almost entirely along the creek, with an out-and-back course that starts and finishes in Hellyer County Park.
Thursday, Nov. 22 • Complete race info »
10) Wild Turkey Chase Half Marathon • Pickrell, NE
Get ready to run along the Homestead Trail in tiny Pickrell, Neb., a town of about 200 souls located just over a half-hour’s drive from Lincoln. You’ll start at the Pickrell Tavern at 7:45 a.m., and the race also offers a 5K.
Thursday, Nov. 22 • Complete race info »
Bonus #1) Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon • Commerce Township, MI
Come out and run the trails of Proud Lake State Recreation Area just outside Detroit at this day-after-Thanksgiving race, which allows you plenty of time to sleep in before the starting gun goes off — at 11:00 a.m.
Friday, Nov. 23 • Complete race info »
Bonus #2) Ghost of Seattle Half Marathon • Seattle, WA
Begun years ago by a group of friends who wanted to organize their own long-distance road race, the “Ghost of Seattle” Half Marathon takes place the day before the annual Sunday-after-Thanksgiving Seattle Marathon, on a course that starts in Mount Baker Park on the shores of Lake Washington.
Saturday, Nov. 24 • Complete race info »
Terrell Johnson is the founder and editor of HalfMarathons.Net and The Half Marathoner.
