You know you are going to stuff yourself on Thanksgiving Day, so why not do it guilt-free? Burn-to-earn the right to indulge in that second helping of mashed potatoes and gravy or pumpkin pie by participating in a local Turkey Trot!
There are a lot of options to choose from around the state but here are three that are located in the North Valley.
Scottsdale’s Phoenician Resort opens their Canyon Golf Course to resort guests and non-resort guests for their annual 5K Turkey Trot with a start time of 8:30 a.m.
If you are an early bird, you’ll want to head out to Fountain Hills where the race begins at 7:30 a.m. and the winner of the 5K Turkey Trot will take home the Golden Turkey Trophy. While you run, Grandma and Grandpa can take the kids on the 1 mile fitness walk where all turkeys take home a ribbon for crossing the finish line. Everyone is invited to stick around after the race for the Chamber’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Looking for something with a little more mileage? You’ll have to drive a few more miles to get there but the biggest Turkey Trot of the day is at Wesley Bolin Plaza where hundreds of runners line up for the 8:00 a.m. 5K/10K race through downtown Phoenix.
Not a jogger or runner? No worries there is a 1-mile Gobbler Dash for the kiddos and a 25-50 yard Tot Trot for the little ones. The course is stroller and wheelchair friendly and encourages para-athletes to participate too.
For all the events, you will most definitely want to pre-register so all you have to do is grab your shoes and go, but if you are a turkey and show up at the last minute that’s OK! Just know you may have to forego your Turkey Trot race t-shirt.
Happy Thanksgiving!
