It's turkey trot season in Milwaukee. Here are 10 local races you can run this year
For those looking to kick off their Thanksgiving Day in a healthy way, there are plenty of turkey trots in the Milwaukee area, ranging from fun 100-meter kids' dashes to competitive, 6.2-mile 10K races.
So, if you'd like to hit your step count goal or set a PR before sitting down for a Turkey Day dinner, here are some local trots to check out.
Festival Foods Turkey Trot, Milwaukee
Milwaukee's Festival Foods Turkey Trot starts at American Family Field, and all runners and walkers receive snacks and a personal pumpkin pie when they finish.
In addition to the 2- and 5-mile races, the Turkey Trot offers a 2-mile "Dog Jog," so your pet can trot alongside you. Canine participants receive a race bandana and bib number.
Location: American Family Field, 1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee
Start time: Thursday, Nov. 23, 8 a.m.
Races: 5-mile run ($40, $15 for kids under 18), 2-mile run/walk ($40, $15 for kids under 18), 2-mile Dog Jog ($5 per dog)
Packet pick-up: Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. at American Family Field SKYY Lounge. Thursday, Nov. 23, 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. at American Family Field, Field Level Concourse
Sign up and learn more: milwaukee.festivalfoodsturkeytrot.com
Milwaukee Turkey Trot 5K and 8K, Milwaukee
The Wisconsin Runs Milwaukee Turkey Trot offers 5K and 8K races, as well as virtual options. Runners can choose between a long-sleeve t-shirt or a pullover sweatshirt for participating. Free Cranky Al's donuts will be waiting for them at the finish line.
The Milwaukee Turkey Trot benefits Hunger Task Force and is part of the national Thankful Turkey race series. After you finish, compare yourself to other trotters across the country using the Thankful Turkey national leaderboard.
Location: 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee
Start time: Thursday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.
Races: 8K run ($47.99 through Nov. 15), 5K run/walk ($42.99 through Nov. 15, $12.99 through Nov. 15 for kids 11 and under), 100-meter kids' dash (free), Virtual 5K or 8K ($37.99)
Packet pick-up: Sunday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Performance Running Outfitters, 2205 N. Calhoun Road, Brookfield. You can also have your packet mailed to you for $17 or pick it up on race day morning.
Sign up and learn more: Milwaukee Turkey Trot 5K & 8K - Wisconsin Events (wisconsinruns.com)
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot at Lake Park, Milwaukee
The free Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot returns to Lake Park for its 25th year. The four-mile race was started by Victor Reckmeyer and his wife Tracy, who co-ran the Turkey Trot until Tracy passed away 19 years ago. Since then, Victor and his family have continued to operate the race and personally pay for its expenses.
The race is free to run, but a food donation for the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee is requested. Place your donation by the tree at Lake Park Bistro when you arrive at the race.
Location: Lake Park Pavilion, 2975 N. Lake Drive, Milwaukee
Start time: Thursday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.
Races: 4-mile run (free)
Sign up and learn more: Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot at Lake Park | Facebook
Great Gobble Wobble 5K, Hales Corners
The Great Gobble Wobble 5K in Hales Corners is part of the Wisconsin Chilly Willy Run Series and also offers a free 1K kids' race for children 10 and under. The race begins at Boerner Botanical Gardens and goes through Whitnall Park.
Participants can enjoy a post-race hot chocolate bar, and age group awards will be given out at the post-race awards ceremony. The male and female runners who finish in the "exact middle" of all participants will receive the Average Joe and Average Jane t-shirt and medal.
Location: Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners
Start time: Thursday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m. (Kids' race starts at 8:45 a.m.)
Races: 5K run/walk ($40), Kids' 1K race (free)
Packet pick-up: Tuesday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Rogan's Shoes Brookfield, 19770 W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Silver Circle Sports Events Global Headquarters, 1327 Wall St. Suite B, Oconomowoc. Thursday, Nov. 23, 7:45 a.m. at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
Sign up and learn more: Great Gobble Wobble (Milwaukee) (runsignup.com)
Great Gobble Wobble 5K and 10K, Oconomowoc
For those looking to go the distance, the Great Gobble Wobble has a 10K trot in Oconomowoc, in addition to its Hales Corners and Oconomowoc 5Ks. The Oconomowoc trot also has a 1K race for kids 10 and under.
Like in Hales Corners, participants can enjoy the post-race hot chocolate bar, and those who finish in the "exact middle" of all runners receive an Average Joe or Average Jane t-shirt and medal. Age group awards will also be given out. An awards ceremony will take place at the race.
Location: Fowler Lake Park, 438 N. Oakwood Ave., Oconomowoc
Start time: Thursday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m. (Kids' race starts at 8:45 a.m. Walk starts at 9:05 a.m.)
Races: 10K run ($40), 5K run/walk ($40), Kids' 1K race ($5)
Packet pick-up: Tuesday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Rogan's Shoes Brookfield, 19770 W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield. Thursday, Nov. 23, 7:30 a.m. at Fowler Lake Park.
Sign up and learn more: Great Gobble Wobble (Oconomowoc) (runsignup.com)
15th Annual SFB Turkey Trot, Cedarburg
Now in its 15th year, the SFB Turkey Trot in Cedarburg offers a "5K-ish" 3.4-mile race and a 2-mile walk. Dogs and strollers are welcome.
Location: 1375 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg. (Park at the church and walk north to the Saint Francis Borgia School start line).
Start time: Thursday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.
Races: 3.4-mile run ($30 through Nov. 21), 2-mile walk ($30 through Nov. 21)
Sign up and learn more: 15th Annual SFB Turkey Trot (runsignup.com)
Junior Woman's Club of Mequon-Thiensville Turkey Trot, Thiensville
The Junior Woman's Club of Mequon-Thiensville is holding its 15th annual Turkey Trot 5K and 50-meter kids' dash. Participants receive a t-shirt and post-race refreshments, while supplies last. The trot benefits Interfaith Caregivers, Balance Inc and Advocates of Ozaukee.
The race will also be collecting non-perishable food items for Family Sharing and new, unwrapped toys for Kids 2 Kids Christmas. Bins for the donations will be located near the packet pick-up location in Village Park. Donations will be accepted on both Wednesday and Thursday.
Location: Thiensville Village Park, 250 Elm St., Thiensville
Start time: Thursday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m. (Kids' dash starts at 10 a.m.)
Races: 5K run/walk ($35 through Nov. 22), 50-meter kids' dash (free)
Packet pick-up: Wednesday, Nov. 22, noon - 4 p.m. at Thiensville Village Park. Thursday, Nov. 23, 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. at Thiensville Village Park.
Sign up and learn more: Turkey Trot - JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB OF MEQUON-THIENSVILLE (juniorsmt.org)
St. Leonards Turkey Trot, Muskego
The St. Leonards Turkey Trot at St. Leonard Catholic Church and School is a 5K run and 3K walk "in Thanksgiving for all our gifts, particularly good health." All race proceeds in 2023 benefit Capuchin Community Services Milwaukee House of Peace St. Ben's Community Meal.
Turkey trot participants can enjoy homemade treats and DJ music following the race. Dogs are welcome in the 3K walk, so long as they're on a leash.
Location: St. Leonard Catholic Church and School, W173 S7743 Westwood Drive, Muskego
Start time: Thursday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.
Races: 5K run ($25), 3K walk ($20), virtual ($22)
Packet pick-up: Drive-thru packet pick-up on Sunday, Nov. 19, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. in St. Leonard parking lot. Traditional packet pick-up on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. at St. Leonard School.
Sign up and learn more: St. Leonards Turkey Trot - St. Leonards Turkey Trot (weebly.com)
CMC Harvest Hustle Fun Run/Walk, Racine
Calvary Memorial Church in Racine is holding its third annual Harvest Hustle Fun Run/Walk 5K, early Thanksgiving morning. The race benefits Racine's Harvest Outreach food pantry.
The only registration fee for the race is one bag of groceries per family, which will be donated to Harvest Outreach. Families can also donate $20-$25 in place of a bag of groceries. Race participants can enjoy fellowship, hot chocolate and "silly prizes" at the finish line.
Location: Calvary Memorial Church, 4001 Washington Ave., Racine
Start time: Thursday, Nov. 23, 7:30 a.m.
Races: 5K run/walk (free with the donation of a bag of groceries or a $20-$25 donation)
Sign up and learn more: 2023 CMC Harvest Hustle Fun Run/Walk (runsignup.com)
44th Annual Mayor's Turkey Day Run, Kenosha
The Kenosha Running Club's annual Mayor's Turkey Day Run has been occurring on and off since 1906. In 1978, it became an annual event and is now going into its 44th year. The course runs along the lakefront and through Kenosha's city streets and bike paths. The top male and female finishers in both races win the Mayor's Cup trophy.
Location: Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave., Kenosha
Start time: Thursday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.
Races: 10K run ($30, $25 for kids 14 and under), 2-mile run/walk ($30, $25 for kids 14 and under), 50-yard kids' dash (free). View course maps here.
Packet pick-up: Wednesday, Nov. 22, 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Kenosha Public Museum. Thursday, Nov. 23, 7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. at Kenosha Public Museum
Sign up and learn more: Turkey Day Run – Kenosha Running Club
Is there a nearby race we missed that you'd like to see on this list? Email cereid@gannett.com, and we will consider adding it.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee area turkey trots for Thanksgiving 2023, what to know
