It's On, Healdburg: The 2025 Turkey Trot Is One Day Away

HEALDSBURG, CA — Yes, you can. Just do sign up. No excuses. It's the 2025 Turket Trot Thanksgiving Day 5K run/walk fundraiser that is a not-to-miss Healdsburg tradition.

This is the 14th year of what started with a few families on Thanksgiving putting on their running shoes. From competitive runners, to families with strollers and furry friends, as many 4,000 are expected at Thursday's event. All of the above have been known to come in costume, festive hats, and even turkey feathers. City Councilmember David Hagele will DJ the event.

“The Turkey Trot is more than a race; it’s a full-on community party,” Skip Brand, the race director and co-owner of the Healdsburg Running Company, said in a news release. "It’s about celebrating, giving thanks, and having a blast together.”

It's also about raising money for scholarships to help students clear financial hurdles to college, Susanne Esquivel said Tuesday. The proceeds go to the Drew Esquivel Scholarship named for her son, a 2013 Healdsburg High School graduate who was killed in his senior year at MIT by a drunk driver. The "Live Like Drew" scholarship, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Healdsburg Sunrise, recognizes leadership, scholarship, athleticism, service and adventure.

"So it's for a good cause," Susanne Esquivel said Tuesday. She was surrounded by T-shirts outside of the Healdsburg Running Company, where the store's co-owner Holly Brand and volunteers signed up participants, checked off names, and handed out race swag.

Brand said they'll have "pirate bibs" for the participants who decide at the last minute to join the Turkey Trot. They just won't be timed. But registration is still open at www.5ktrot.com and is streamlined.

The Rotary Club, the Healdsburg Running Company, the City of Healdsburg are behind the event. Sponsors include Big John’s Market, Charlie Palmer Pigs ‘n Pinot, Stay Healdsburg, Vanguard Properties, Kendall-Jackson Wines, Summit State Bank, Garrett ACE Hardware, Rio Lindo Academy, Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County, Rio Lindo Academy, E and M Electric, and Preston Family Charitable Fund.

The entry fee is $20 Adults, $15 Kids, under the age of 12.

Packet and shirt pickup at the Healdsburg Running Company, 333 Center St., today 12–7 p.m. and race day morning 6–7:30 a.m.

The race starts 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, from 333 Center St.

Find details, a map, and registration at www.5ktrot.com whether you're running, walking, or just grooving to the music.