Family Fitness: Houston-Area Turkey Trots & Fun Runs
Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and if you're anything like me you've already started dreaming of all the delicious holiday food you're going to enjoy with family. After all, this is the one time each year that it's actually acceptable to spend the entire day eating...and then eating some more. But consider starting a new family tradition - participating in a family Turkey Trot, which gets everyone up and moving and allows you to raise funds for a good cause. Here are 12 family-friendly runs happening around Houston!
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Photo Courtesy of David Reynolds/Hannah's Turkey Trot
Hannah's Turkey Trot - Nov. 19
16919 N Bridgeland Pkwy, Cypress
Get a leg up on Thanksgiving this year by running Hannah's Turkey Trot with the family the Saturday before Thursday's festivities. Hannah's Turkey Trot raises money for JDRF, which is the leading global organization funding Type 1 diabetes research.
5k & 10k Cost: $50
Kids K & 2 Mile Walk Cost: $35
Nottingham Forest Turkey Trot - Nov. 19
325 Kickerillo Drive, Houston
The Nottingham Forest Turkey Trot 1 Mile Family Walk & 5k Run is perfect for families who want to get out and enjoy some active, pre-Thanksgiving festivities together. Half of the race proceeds benefit FamilyPoint Resources, which supports programs for children and families in the community, and the other half benefit Nottingham Forest Civic Association.
1 Mile Family Walk Cost: $20
5k Cost: $40
City of Conroe Turkey Trot - Nov. 19
2500 South Loop 336E, Conroe
The 4th annual City of Conroe Turkey Trot is happening the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving, and it's sure to be fun for the whole family. Got a turkey costume? Be sure to sport it for this fun run!
Pre-registration 5k Cost: $20
Day of registration 5k Cost: $25
Photo Courtesy of Steven David/Giving Thanks 5k & 10k
Giving Thanks 5k & 10k - Nov. 19
15300 University Blvd., Sugar Land
Come out the weekend before Thanksgiving and be a part of the 500 walkers and runners participating in the 3rd annual Giving Thanks 5k & 10k. This event benefits disadvantaged women by helping them develop life skills and self-confidence through an 8-week fitness and nutrition program.
5k Cost: $35 until Nov. 18, $40 on race day
10k Cost: $40 until Nov. 18, $45 on race day
Kids K Fun Run Cost: $15
Pinehurst Turkey Trot - Nov. 24
9634 El Chaco Drive, Baytown
Start Thanksgiving Day on the right foot by heading out to the family-friendly Pinehurst Turkey Trot, a race that's sure to be fun for everyone participating - whether you're walking, running, or somewhere in between. Proceeds from this race benefit Emma's Hugs, a local charity dedicated to raising money to help local families with their parking in the medical center.
5k Cost: $30
Pearland Turkey Trot - Nov. 24
3775 S. Main, Pearland
Runners and walkers of every fitness level are welcome at the Pearland Turkey Trot. Runners can choose from a 4- and 6-mile distance, walkers can sign up for the 1-mile family walk, and kids can get in on the action by participating in the kids 1k.
4 Mile Run Cost: $35
6 Mile Run Cost: $45
1 Mile Family Walk Cost: $25
Kids K Cost: $15
Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater Houston
Katy Family YMCA Turkey Dash - Nov. 24
22807 Westheimer Parkway, Katy
Head to the 14th annual Katy Family YMCA Turkey Dash this Thanksgiving and enjoy a morning filled with running, a Thanksgiving costume contest, and lots of post-race fun. All proceeds from this race are given to the Annual Campaign to provide scholarships to various programs.
5k Cost: $37 through Nov. 18, $40 Nov. 19-23
10k Cost: $42 through Nov. 18, $45 Nov. 19-23
1 Mile Walk/Run Cost: $20 through Nov. 18, $25 Nov. 19-23
1 Mile Kids Fun Run Cost: $25 through Nov. 18, $28 Nov. 19-23
TXU Energy Houston Turkey Trot - Nov. 24
4925 Westheimer Road, Houston
Join 20,000 of your closest runner friends for the TXU Energy Houston Turkey Trot, which is one of the largest foot races in Houston on Thanksgiving morning. The event supports Neighborhood Centers, which is the largest community development organization in Texas and is dedicated to bettering Houston-area families.
Race costs vary based on distance and type, registration date, and whether you're running a timed or un-timed race. You can find all race registration prices here.
31st Annual Sugar Land Turkey Trot - Nov. 24
13895 SW Freeway, Sugar Land
Known as the original Turkey Trot in the Greater Houston area, the 31st Annual Sugar Land Turkey Trot is one you don't want to miss. Costumes are encouraged at this race, and the winner of the costume contest will be awarded a $100 Finish Line gift card. Participants are encouraged to bring canned goods, warm clothing, and running shoes for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry in Stafford.
5 Mile Race Cost: $34
2.8 Mile Walk/Jog Cost: $29
Sean Kids Mile: $20
Lake Jackson Turkey Trot - Nov. 24
100 Oyster Creek Dr., Lake Jackson
Start off Thanksgiving Day on a positive note by doing something active while supporting the students of the Lake Jackson Intermediate Band Program. All you need to do is sign up for the Lake Jackson Turkey Trot and show up to the start line Thanksgiving morning.
5k Cost: $20
10k Cost: $20
Kids Fun Run Cost: Free
Bay Area Turkey Day 5k/10k/Kids K - Nov. 24
2427 Bay Area Blvd., Houston
If you're looking for a new Thanksgiving family tradition, consider running or walking the 8th annual Bay Area Turkey Trot this year. This route is not only scenic but also flat and fast, making it perfect for those wanting to get out and move a little before the Thanksgiving feast begins and those wanting to run a competitive race.
5k Run/Walk Cost: $25
10k Cost: $25
Kids K Cost: $10
The Harvest Thanks for Giving Family Fun Run - Nov. 24
9029 Sienna Ranch Road, Missouri City
The Harvest Thanks for Giving Family Fun Run is having its inaugural race this Thanksgiving Day, and you and your family are invited to attend! Proceeds from the race help Lunches of Love provide free, nutritious sack lunches to Fort Bend children during extended school holidays and weekends.
5k Cost: $30 through Nov. 11, $40 Nov. 11-24
10k Cost: 40 through Nov. 11, $50 Nov. 11-24
1 Mile Cost: $15 through Nov. 11, $20 Nov. 11-24
Top Image Courtesy of David Reynolds/Hannah's Turkey Trot
Places featured in this article:
Festival Park @ Bridgeland
Carl Barton Jr. Park
Sugar Land Memorial Park
Nottingham Forest Club
Pinehurst Park
Pearland Stadium
Katy Family YMCA
Finish Line Sports
Lake Jackson Intermediate School
On the Run, University Plaza
The Harvest United Methodist Church