A Flock of Feathery Footraces: Turkey Trots Around Denver

If you asked someone what they think about when they hear the term “Turkey Trot,” some of the things they might immediately mention would be inflatable turkey costumes, free pumpkin pie and a bunch of maniacs gobbling while they run really, really fast. And, well, they wouldn’t be wrong, but Turkey Trots also invoke aspects of the Thanksgiving holiday that are even more important: Giving and gratitude. 

Be it through donations, fundraising or sponsorship, turkey trots have consistently brought out the kindness of countless Denver communities, and as they grow ever more popular, the turnout and options for turkey trots are only getting bigger by the year. While several of the events have already passed, there are still plenty more options to attend over the Thanksgiving holiday. Here’s where to go if you want to run, walk or volunteer at a turkey trot this year. (And then maybe go treat yourself to a Thanksgiving sandwich after the race!)

Golden’s Great Turkey Chase
Thursday, November 27, 8:30 a.m.
Parfet Park, 719 10th Street, Golden
Get ready for a three-mile race up and down Clear Creek Trail starting from downtown Golden. Afterwards, stick around for a chance to win raffle prizes, or pick up a pumpkin pie if you ordered one when registering for the race.

Alpine Bank Boulder Thanksgiving Day 5K
Thursday, November 27, 9 a.m.
Boulder Court House, 1300 Block Pearl Street Mall, Boulder
Ever wanted to run through and around Pearl Street Mall without dodging around intense foot traffic? Well, now you can on Alpine Bank’s new 5K course, and for a good cause to boot. All entrants are encouraged to pledge money to Boulder’s Harvest Of Hope Pantry for each mile they run. Also, there will be an 800-meter run for kids aged one to twelve just before the 5K kicks off for any young toms and hens who want to try their talons at a trot.

Mile High United Way Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 27, 9 a.m.
South High School, 1700 East Louisiana Avenue, Denver
If you’ve only ever heard of one turkey trot in the Denver metro, there’s a pretty safe bet that it’s this one. Easily the oldest and most popular race in the area, annual numbers are booming with over 10,000 people registering in recent years. The four mile course is entirely centered in Washington Park, which is the perfect place to drop a fast time or show off your costume for a chance to win big in the costume contest! Registering for the race directly supports Mile High United Way’s work providing opportunities and resources to the early learners, families and young adults who need them.

Turkey ROCK Trot
Thursday, November 27, 9 a.m.
Douglas County Event Center, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock
Those who are further south of the city still have plenty of trots to choose from, with one of the most notable being the ROCK trot, which takes you directly through downtown Castle Rock. The city’s Help and Hope Center is the beneficiary of the event, and uses the funding to provide food, shelter and other support for people at risk of homelessness or who are in serious economic need. Entrants will also get to enjoy free food, face painting, and other treats at the event’s health and wellness indoor expo before and after the race.

Harvesting Hope 5K
Thursday, November 27, 9:15 a.m.
Central Park, Central Park Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Denver
Harvesting Hope aims to help raise funds for the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research. Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is one of the most common causes of life-threatening childhood obesity, and two parents of children with PWS came together ten years ago to start this race to bring their communities together. After registering for the 5K race in Central Park, participants and other interested parties can donate directly to support PWS research. A 1K fun run will also be held shortly before the 5K, where kids can chase a “turkey” in the middle of Central Park.

Broomfield Turkey Day 5K/10K
Thursday, November 27, 9 a.m.
Broomfield County Commons, 13200 Sheridan Boulevard, Broomfield
Enjoy a flat and fast course in Broomfield County Commons Park before wolfing down a healthy serving of pumpkin pie at the finish line. In addition to the 5K and 10K, an untimed half-mile fun run will be provided for kids ages one to twelve. All entrants will also get some awesome swag and the opportunity to get entered into a race-day raffle if they bring five requested items to donate to a food drive for Broomfield Fellowship in Serving Humanity, a charity focused on feeding and supporting families in need. And for those who are able to give more, a $100 donation to Broomfield FISH will provide you with a free race entry and an additional race entry that will be 50 percent off for a relative or friend.  

Cara’s Fifth Annual Leftover Turkey Trot
Saturday, November 29, 9 a.m.
Boulder High School, 1604 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder
Organized by the Cara’s Wave of Hope Foundation, this race aims to raise funds for the foundation’s athletic and academic scholarships to provide financial support to youth sport programs and students looking to study environmental science or other degrees pertaining to the outdoors in college. The foundation and race were created by the Calitre family after their daughter, Cara, a strong athlete and passionate nature-lover, passed away in 2020. The race is a unique grassroots project that is dedicated to its mission to raise money for students through a fun, community-oriented event. “Not only are we organic and small, but we’ve managed to do it in a way so that pretty much every dollar you donate is going to a student or an athlete,” Phil Calitre, Cara’s father, says. Although the event largely draws in people tied to North Boulder and Boulder High School, all donors are welcome to join in on the fun run, enjoy the live music and food and participate in the yearly raffle for the chance to win a wide variety of quality outdoor gear, including skis. “We’d love for anyone to be involved, regardless of whether you want to run,” Phil says.