Sunday, November 23

Run For the Turkeys, New Fairfield
This is the 30th year for this fun, popular 5K race through the streets of New Fairfield. There's also a Kids Fun Run around the high school track for kids 12 and under, and a Health Walkers division which goes after the road race. The organizers make it fun by blasting music all along the race route. Trophies will be awarded to the top runners in each division as well as for the runner who traveled the farthest to race, the oldest Turkey Run T-shirt worn by a runner, and the three best Thanksgiving-themed costumes.The race begins at 11:00. Runners $27, Walkers $17, Kids Fun Run $5.

Run for the Turkeys, New Fairfield High School, 54 Gillotti Rd, New Fairfield CT, 06812, 203-312-5633

New Canaan Turkey Trot
This race has been raising money for the Open Door Shelter in Norwalk for the past 11 years. For a suggested donation of $25, you can help provide services for the homeless and hungry while running the 5K course in New Canaan's beautiful Irwin Park. You can also bring donations of winter clothing for the shelter on race day. Race begins at 11:30.

New Canaan Turkey Trot, Irwin Park, 848 Weed St, New Canaan CT, 06840

Thursday, November 27

Shippan Turkey Trot, Stamford
This is the 14th year for this popular race through the Shippan section of Stamford. You do need to register but in lieu of a registration fee, donations of canned food, checks or cash will be accepted to support the Shelter for the Homeless. The fun begins at 9:30am. Costumes are encouraged and kids are welcome to participate in the event, which covers 2.41 miles (which is "almost" a 4K, according to the website). 

Shippan Turkey Trot, 280 Ocean Drive East, Stamford CT, 06902

Turkey Day Trot, Stratford
This Thanksgiving morning race offers a USATF certified 5K course through the streets of downtown Stratford. The 13th annual race features T-shirts, awards for top 3 runners in all age divisions and post race refreshments. Procrastinators beware: there will be NO race day registration. Online registration closes at midnight on Saturday, November 22nd with in person registration on 11/25 and 11/26 only if space remains (so check their website). The race begins at 8:15am.

Turkey Day Trot, Stratford Theater, 2422 Main St, Stratford CT, 06615

The Great Turkey Escape, Redding
The Kids 1 mile Fun Run begins at 8:00am followed by the 5K at 8:30 and awards at 9:15. Medals go to all finishers of both races, along with long sleeved t-shirts. Trophies and a holiday themed gift for the top three in each age division. This race benefits the Redding Elementary School PTA, the Redding Historical Society and Venturing. $29 for the 5K and $10 for the Fun Run.

The Great Turkey Escape, Redding Elementary School, 33 Lonetown Rd, Redding CT, 06896

Turkey Trot, Ridgefield
This Thanksgiving Day race is in it's 33rd year and supports the Boys and Girls Club of Ridgefield with a 1/2 mile Kids Fun Run where kids follow Tom the Turkey to the finish line., and a 5K road race. There is an annual pasta dinner at Planet Pizza in Ridgefield from 4-6pm on Wednesday, November 26th where you can pick up your bib and carb load before the race. The Fun Run starts at 8:00am, and the Turkey Trot begins at 8:30am. Pre-race registration $35 until Nov 23, Nov 24-27 $40. Kids Fun Run $15. 

Turkey Trot, Boys and Girls Club of Ridgefield, 41 Governor St, Ridgefield CT, 06887, 203-438-8821

Saturday, November 29

Cow Chip Cross Country Run, Trumbull
The first thing you need to know is that the term "cow chip" is a polite way to refer to cow poop.This unique race heartily embraces the theme. In it's 19th year, the race course takes you off-road through a 3 mile cross country loop around Trumbull High School. Some participants dress in brown clothing and others dress up like cows and other brown animals. They say runners should wear old sneakers since running through the mud in this brown-themed race is encouraged. Runners have ranged in age from 8 to 82 for the main run, and younger kids can easily handle the fun run. There are long sleeved t-shirts for participants, and post race fun with brownies and crazy prizes. This race raises money for Multiple Sclerosis Smilin for Myelin as well as the Trumbull High School girls cross country team. There's a 9:00am kids "chip off the old block" 1/2 mile run, followed by 9:15am cow chip cross country run. The unique awards ceremony and raffle is at 10:15am. FREE for kids 6th grade and under. $25 adults 19 and over ($27 on race day). $15 for high school students and runners over 70.

Cow Chip Cross Country run, Trumbull High School, 536 Daniels Farm Rd, Trumbull CT, 06611

Greenwich Alliance for Education Turkey Trot
This race supports supplemental programs in the Greenwich schools in music, literacy and college prep. There is a 1 mile fun run/walk, which is very popular with kids, followed by a 5K race on a scenic, flat course through Bruce Park. Group warmup and stretching, led by the Greenwich Track Clubs, starts at 9:00am. All fun runners get a medal and awards for the top finishers in the 5K. The goodie bag has fun stuff like a trial membership offer to the YMCA of Greenwich. T-shirts, too. Adults $25 (race day $35), Children 14 and under $10 (race day $15).

Greenwich Alliance Turkey Trot, Arch Street Teen Center, 100 Arch St, Greenwich CT, 06830, 203-340-2323

Run Santa Run 4: Buddy in Bethel
This race moves you squarely into Santa-themed activities with a Kids Fun Run and a 5K run/walk through the streets of Bethel. Santa's village Marketplace will be set up inside the Bethel Municipal Center, which is a great way to support Shop Small Saturday and get a little holiday shopping out of the way after your race. Santa will be inside the marketplace for visits and pictures. The race is part of Bethel Chamber's Winterfest which benefits Masonicare and the new Bethel Community Website. The Kids Fun Run is FREE and registers the day of the race and starts at 10:15 (please bring a toy donation for Toys for Tots). The 5K race is $23.95 and begins at 11:00am.

Run Santa Run 4: Buddy in Bethel, Bethel Municipal Center, 1 School St, Bethel CT, 06801