Turkey Trot Half Marathon 15k 10k & 5k

Thursday, November 23, 2023 • Santa Monica, CA

Gear up for a Thanksgiving like no other with the Turkey Trot 5K, 10K, 15K, and Half Marathon run/walk. The festive atmosphere and invigorating courses will kickstart your Thanksgiving morning with a healthy dose of holiday spirit.

The day’s schedule is packed with a variety of start times to accommodate runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Early risers can opt for the 10K, 15K, or Half Marathon starting at 7:30 AM, while the 5K kicks off at 7:45 AM. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the 5K walk/family/non-competitive category begins at 9:30 AM.

Race day begins with bib pick-up from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM for participants in the 7:30 AM and 7:45 AM events and from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM for those joining the 9:30 AM 5K walk. More waves or start times may be added based on the number of participants, ensuring a smooth and organized experience.

What sets the Turkey Trot apart is its focus on creating a relaxed, enjoyable, and personal racing experience. The event’s atmosphere is intentionally informal, designed to encourage participants to have fun while keeping active.

The race course itself is designed to be straightforward, with routes consisting of counter-clockwise loops along the beach path. Each loop is clearly marked to guide runners, making it easy to enjoy the scenic views along the way. The 5K involves one loop, the 10K comprises two loops, and the 15K covers three loops. Meanwhile, the Half Marathon route leads participants through three 4.36-mile loops.

The event’s central location is 2000 Ocean Ave. in Santa Monica, CA, accessible from the beach path off Bay St. and Ocean Ave, near Crescent Bay Park. For those arriving by car, there are ample parking options. Street parking is free until 9 AM, after which participants can use quarters or credit cards to pay the parking meters. Keep in mind that on Saturday, there’s street sweeping from 7-9 AM, so please be aware of the signs on the meters. Alternatively, the beach parking lot offers an all-day flat fee, which can be paid through a machine or the booth when it’s open, typically costing between $8 and $12, depending on the season.

Race Weather & Climate

Santa Monica, California, is a dynamic city on the Pacific Coast.

Late November in Santa Monica, CA brings average high temperatures of 64-68°F and average low temperatures around 51-55°F. This season bridges the gap between fall and winter, offering cooler, yet still mild weather. Rainfall is typically minimal, creating a comfortable late November atmosphere along the coastal city.

Turkey Trot Half Marathon Race Results

Turkey Trot Half Marathon Course Map

See the race route map for the Turkey Trot Half Marathon course map here.

Starting Time

The half marathon start time is 8:00 AM EST.

Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2023 Turkey Trot Half Marathon, you can use the registration link here.