Central Florida hosts 11 Thanksgiving week races from 5Ks to family fun runs
Events span Nov. 21 through 26 with registration fees ranging from $10 to $65 and beneficiaries including local food banks and scholarship funds.
By Luis Medina ·
Eleven Thanksgiving-themed running events are scheduled across Central Florida between Nov. 21 and 26. The races include 5Ks, 10Ks, and shorter fun runs for families. Participants can expect registration fees between $10 and $65 depending on the specific event and participant category.
The first two races take place on Saturday, Nov. 21. The Oak Turkey Trot offers a 5K and a 1.25-mile fun run at the Northwest Recreation Complex in Apopka at 7 am. The Hunters Creek Turkey Trot starts at 8:30 am at Osprey Park. This 5K runs along a paved trail beside the Shingle Creek Conservation Area and is open to walkers.
On Sunday, Nov. 22, the Dream Finders Homes Great Turkey Trot 5K begins at 8 am at Southern Hill Farms in Clermont. The event includes a kids race at 9:15 am, free coffee, and ice cream. The 5K winner receives an apple cider donut from Southern Hill Farms. Registration costs range from $15 to $40.
Seven additional races are scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. The Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K begins at 8 am at Lake Eola Park in Orlando. Now in its 37th year, the event benefits Meals on Wheels. A costume contest starts at 7 am and a tot trot follows at 9:15 am. Entry fees range from $35 to $50.
The Avalon Park Turkey Trot is a casual 5K at Avalon Park Town Park. Registration uses a sliding scale based on voting eligibility status, ranging from $10 to $30. The Nona Fear Rise & Trot 5K takes place at Lake Nona Performance Club. The fixed registration fee is $40 and the event includes music, vendors, and an event shirt.
The GRO Turkey Trot 5K at Blue Jacket Park benefits a Thanksgiving food drive and trade school scholarships. PGA golfer Kamaiu “Mymy” Johnson is the featured guest. Entry costs range from $35 to $50. The Ritz-Carlton Gobbler 5K starts at 7:30 am at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando. Runners follow a course on the golf course before participating in a yoga class. Fees range from $50 to $75.
In Sanford, the 17th Annual Turkey Day 5K benefits The Sharing Center. The race follows a paved route along Lake Monroe and starts at 8 am at Fort Mellon Park. Organizers provide free coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts. Entry fees range from $35 to $50.
The AdventHealth Groveland Turkey Trot offers 5K and 10K options for runners and walkers at Cherry Lake Park. The race starts at 7:15 am. Participants receive event shirts and can donate nonperishable food to the FAITH Neighborhood Center. Registration fees range from $50 to $65.
