You may not be able to run alongside hundreds of people this Thanksgiving, but you and your family can still lace up your sneakers and participate in a local turkey trot. Because of COVID-19, many of these 5K, 10K and 1-mile fun runs and walks are happening virtually, with most taking place over the span of several days.
Here are five virtual turkey trots you can join this month that benefit D.C.-area organizations.
Arlington Turkey Trot 15th Annual 5K Fun Run
Hit the pavement any time between Wednesday, Nov. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 1, on the official Turkey Trot course or another certified 5K course of your choosing. The race might be virtual, but the official t-shirt and bib are available IRL with registration—$40 for adults, $20 for children ages 6-17. All net proceeds are donated to six local charities.
19th Annual Thanksgiving Trot for Hunger 5K
You don’t need to be in D.C. to take part in this community event benefiting SOME (So Others Might Eat) and its work to provide much-needed food, housing, health care and more to thousands of District neighbors in need. Register as an individual ($15-$45), create a virtual team or join an existing team.
Prince William Turkey Trot 5K and Mashed Potato Mile
Download your racing bib and run this annual race on a treadmill, in a park or around your neighborhood anytime through Nov. 29. When the event is over, each participant will receive an official Prince William Turkey Trot medal. Registration is $28 for the 5K, 10K and half marathon, and $12.50 for the Mashed Potato Mile. A portion of each registration will be donated to one of several community nonprofits.
18th Annual Vienna Turkey Trot
Plot your own course for this year’s virtual Vienna Turkey Trot, benefiting the James Madison High School Band and the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. The event is taking place Nov. 24-28, but if you sign up early, you’re guaranteed a special edition VTT knit beanie to wear on your walk or run. Registration for the 5K, 10K and 1-mile dog walk is $25 per person.
38th Annual Turkey Chase Charity Race
A Thanksgiving tradition since 1982, the Turkey Chase is the largest fundraiser for the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase and the B-CC Rotary Club. Show your support for these community organizations by walking, running, biking or swimming any time between Nov. 16 and 30. Registration for each of the virtual events is $48.
A version of this story originally appeared in the November 2020 issue of Washington FAMILY.
