11 Massachusetts Turkey Trots Close to Greater Boston
Forget the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, start your holiday with some active fun.
Boston Road Runners Turkey Trot / Photo provided
While the long-awaited evening feast of turkey and sweet potatoes is the traditional highlight of Thankgiving Day, the iconic Turkey Trot is also a bonus for many celebrating the holiday. In addition to the breathtaking beauty of running in the crisp fall air, participating in a local Thanksgiving Day race is the perfect way to unite with friends and family, while also giving back to the local community. All of these 2023 Massachusetts turkey trots take place on the Thursday holiday, are within an hour drive of Boston, donate proceeds to the local community, and include T-shirts, prizes, and more.
This guide was updated in November 2023.
Boston area
Wellesley Turkey Trot
The fastest trotters will be eligible for a wide array of awards, with medals being doled out to the top three overall male and female runners as well as the top three runners in each age bracket. Registration fees and donations for the race will go to the Wellesley Turkey Trot Foundation which supports local non-profits prioritizing medical research, education, and community service.
$40/adult and $30/youth, 8 a.m., 181 Linden St., Wellesley.
Franklin Park Turkey Trot
The Franklin Park Turkey Trot is the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the city of Boston. Since its inaugural race in 2013, the it’s consistently grown each year, and now attracts more than 1,400 runners. All proceeds go to the Franklin Park Coalition.
$30/adult and $18/youth, 9 a.m., Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse, One Circuit Dr., Dorchester.
Gobble Gobble Gobble Thanksgiving Race
This four mile race is open to runners and joggers of all ages, and all proceeds benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition, Somerville Track PAC, Stride for Stride and Dilboy VFW Veterans Relief Fund. Gobble Gobble Gobble tends to fill up quickly, so be sure to secure your spot before they’re all gone.
$45, 9 a.m., 3 Otis St., Somerville.
Boston Road Runners Turkey Trot
This event, organized by Boston Road Runners, offers both a 3.1-mile race and a 5.25-mile race filled with beautiful autumn foliage and scenic river views along the Charles River that features a canned food drive, aiming to ensure that everyone in the Boston community is well-fed this Thanksgiving.
$35 adult and $30 youth, 8 a.m.-11 a.m., Artesani Park, Boston.
North of Boston ’Burbs
Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Road Race
This Merrimack Valley road race has been trotting along every year since 1988. It now boasts an average of 10,000 runners each year, making it one of the largest Thanksgiving day races in New England. The Feaster Five road race donates to the Bellesini Academy, the Merrimack Valley YMCA, the MVS High School Scholarship Fund, Groundwork Lawrence, and the Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Fund. A fresh apple pie will also be waiting for you at the finish line to give you that extra boost of motivation.
$45/5k and $35/youth, 8:45 a.m. Race starts at Shawsheen Square in Andover.
North Shore
Wild Turkey Five Mile
Touted as one of the largest races on the North Shore, this five-mile race in Salem will have you warmed up just in time to crash on the couch for football and turkey. Donations and registration fees go towards supporting the Boys and Girls Club of greater Salem. The first 1,600 participants registered get a Brooks tech long-sleeve shirt.
$30, 8 a.m., Salem Common, at the Roger Conant Statue in front of the Salem Witch Museum, Salem.
Newburyport Maudslay Turkey Trot 5K
Head to Maudslay State Park in Newburyport for a 3.1 mile cross country race—you might just see a wild turkey or two on your journey. All profits from this race will go towards food pantries in the area, like Our Neighbors’ Table and the Pettengill House.
$30/adult and $25 youth, 8:20 a.m., Maudslay State Park, 74 Curzon Mill Rd., Newburyport.
South of Boston ’Burbs
Braintree Thanksgiving Day 5k Race/Walk
Braintree High School is hosting a race/walk on Thanksgiving to support its athletic program. To beat the crowds, pick up your bib and T-shirt the day before. The first 300 people registered will get a free T-shirt.
$25, 8 a.m.-10 a.m., 128 Town St., Braintree.
Dreamcatcher Classic Road Race
Now in its 31st year, this race is one of the longest-standing turkey trots in the area. It includes a two-mile race and a five-mile race, both of which leave from Weymouth High School and benefits the high school’s student athletes.
$30, 7:30 a.m., 1 Wildcat Way, Weymouth.
South Shore
Hingham Turkey Trot
South Shore dwellers, come out for the biggest Thanksgiving Day race in your neck of the woods, celebrating its 25th year. All race proceeds from this 5k will go to Hingham High School cross country/track boosters. The top three male and female finishers in each age group will be awarded.
$30/adult and $20/youth, 7:30 a.m., 17 Union St., Hingham.
Running of the Pilgrims
This race in Plymouth is in its seventh year and benefits Wonderfund, South Shore Community Action Council, and Plymouth Family Resource Center. Also, walkers are welcome to join the trek, but sadly, no dogs.
$30/adult through Nov. 21, $35/adult on Nov. 22-23; $25, student (age 11-18), through Nov. 21, $30 on Nov. 22-23; $20/children through Nov. 21, $25/children on Nov. 22-23; $20/seniors (70+), through Nov. 217:30 a.m., DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park, 60 Water St., Plymouth.
