Thanksgiving morning is the one day a year when half of New Jersey goes for a run before the big meal. Here are seven turkey trots for Thursday, November 26, 2026, from a waterfront 5K facing the Statue of Liberty to a trail run at a South Jersey winery. Every time and price below was read on the race's own page on November 9. Prices go up as race day gets closer and several of these fill up, so register early, and check the official page before you go.
A waterfront course with Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island across the water. The start is the Colgate Clock behind the Goldman Sachs building: walk toward the river and you will see it. Strollers are welcome, and the race says it fills up every year.
Bayonne's biggest 5K, in Bayonne County Park. This one is relaxed: no chip timing, just a big clock at the finish, a shirt for every registered runner, and walkers and strollers welcome.
The 20th running of the Sparta Education Foundation's trot, out and back on a USATF-certified course from Krogh's Restaurant and Brew Pub in the middle of town. New for the anniversary: long-sleeve shirts for adults, chip timing, and no goody bags. The money raised pays for grants to Sparta's public schools.
The eleventh year of this 5K from the Engine Company on East Main Street. Strollers and well-behaved dogs are welcome if they line up at the back. Proceeds go to Somerville Recreation's programs for kids, adults and seniors.
A timed 5K on a USATF-certified course in Mercer County Park, plus a family-friendly 1 mile walk. It started as a small community gathering and now sells out, and its proceeds go to local food banks and pantries. Strollers are welcome.
The 11th year of this 5K at Bell Works in Holmdel, started in waves so everyone gets room: faster runners first, then everyone else, then walkers, then a kids run. Every finisher gets a medal, and Thanksgiving outfits are encouraged.
The one for trail runners: a 5K at Autumn Lake Winery on hard-packed dirt, grass and sand, rain or shine, so expect mud if it has been wet. Kids 14 and under run free with an adult entry, friendly dogs on a leash are welcome at the back, and strollers can come if they can handle the ground. There is no time limit. The winery opens that morning for bottle sales, in case you are on wine duty for dinner.
New Jersey has many more turkey trots than these. These seven are the ones we have confirmed for 2026 so far, and more go on our calendar as we confirm them.
Most of these are finished by 11, which leaves time before dinner. In Jersey City, Liberty State Park is a short drive south for a walk along the water with the same view of the Statue of Liberty. In West Windsor, stay and walk Mercer County Park once the crowd clears. And for the evenings after the holiday, our holiday light shows roundup has the drive-throughs, walks and train rides with their dates and prices.
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