Trot Now, Feast Later!
Florida's Thanksgiving menu comes with a side of running shoes. On November 26, turkey trots from Pensacola Beach to Miami invite families to squeeze in a few miles before the mashed potatoes make their appearance.
Thanksgiving morning races have become a tradition across the Sunshine State, bringing competitive runners, casual walkers, costumed families, and enthusiastic little gobblers together. Some participants are chasing personal records. Others simply want a head start on the day's second helping.
In Orlando, the 37th Annual Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K takes over Lake Eola Park at 8 a.m., with more than 5,000 participants expected. The morning includes a costume contest, turkey call competition, and free Tot Trot for children. Proceeds support Seniors First programs, including Meals on Wheels, helping older Central Florida residents maintain their independence.
Along the Panhandle, the Pensacola Beach Turkey Trot for Thought pairs a Kids' Turkey Dash at 8 a.m. with a 5K at 8:30 a.m. Now in its 16th year, the event began as a fundraiser for brain cancer research and is expanding its community impact in 2026 through a partnership with Children in Crisis, which supports foster children and families in Northwest Florida.
Gainesville offers a slightly different Thanksgiving workout. The Turkey Trot Trail 5K & 10K takes runners through Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, where fields, wooded trails, and rescued farm animals replace the usual city streets. Both races begin at 8:30 a.m., supporting a sanctuary devoted to animal rescue and education.
Farther south, the Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot sends runners and walkers along A1A for a 7:30 a.m. 5K. The Broward County tradition welcomes more than 3,000 participants annually, bringing neighbors together for a morning of movement and community spirit.
At Tropical Park, the Life Time Turkey Trot Miami offers 5K and 10K distances, a children's race, and a holiday-themed finish festival with games, refreshments, and a giant 20-foot turkey.
Meanwhile, the 47th Annual Fort Myers Turkey Trot starts at 7:30 a.m. on McGregor Boulevard and finishes at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. A Tot Trot gives younger participants their own moment in the spotlight.
From beach roads to farm trails, Florida's Thanksgiving races offer a chance to gather with neighbors, support community causes, and start the holiday moving. The pumpkin pie can wait a few hours.
For more ways to stay active throughout Florida, explore the Guide to Florida's Sports & Recreation directory at https://guidetoflorida.com/sports-recreation.