Turkey Trots Across Greater Boston In 2020

NEWTON, MA —While some established Thanksgiving turkey trots were scrapped this year in greater Boston because of pandemic-related crowd restrictions, others have moved to virtual formats — meaning you can run anytime or anywhere.

It may seem a little anticlimactic to run that trot without the hundreds of others by your side, but keep in mind local non-profits still benefit from these runs' registration fees — even if races are virtual.

The traditional T-shirts, swag and finishers' medals are included with many sign-ups, too.
Peruse the list to see if any of them suit your family, and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

NOTE: Do follow the links for the latest updates from organizers in the event races are canceled at the last minute or put back on the calendar.

NEWTON:

Nov. 21-29: The Newton Turkey Trot will be a Virtual Edition spanning the Thanksgiving season. The race proceeds will go to the Newton Food Pantry and the Travis Roy Foundation's Ethan Wang Fund. Virtual 5K ($30) or Virtual mile ($20).

WALTHAM:

Nov. 14 - Nov. 21: Opportunities for Inclusion Turkey Trot. This year they are hosting a virtual run, walk event to raise money for those with developmental disabilities. All proceeds benefit Opportunities for Inclusion programs and services that serve the developmentally disabled. There is no registration fee. Participants who donate or raise $25 or more get a T-shirt.

WELLESLEY

Nov. 21 -Nov. 26: Wellesley Turkey Trot 2020: This year the race is virtual but organizers are asking participants to not run the usual course. A mile of the race normally runs through Wellesley College as it is closed to the public because of the pandemic. This trot goes to support local charities in the areas of cancer, medical research, education and community service. Fee: $30

SOMMERVILLE

Nov. 22- Nov. 29: 24th Annual Gobble Gobble Gobble, organized by the Somerville Road Runner. This year, both the 4 miler and the choose-your-own distance races are free for the virtual race. T-shirts are available for $25. Proceeds go to local charities.

BOSTON

Oct. 30 - Nov. 30: Franklin Park Turkey Trot: The trot is considered the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the city of Boston. Since it began in 2013, it’s grown each year, and last year some 1,400 runners came out to run. This year, you can choose your own course. Registration is $10 or more. All proceeds go to the Franklin Park Coalition.

Nov. 26: Boston Volvo Thanksgiving 5k: This race raises money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society each year. Free t-shirts are handed out to the first 700 registrants and prizes are awarded to the top run finishers and fundraisers. Registration is $35 if you want a T-shirt, $45 if you want a mask, too.

Nov. 25 - Nov. 29: Boston Road Runners Turkey Trot: The Boston Road Runners club organizes this trot each year along the Charles River. This year, distances include the 2-mile "doggie dash" the 3.1 mile "Drumsticks" run and the 6.2 mile "Pumpkin Pie" run. Registration is free for those under 18, and $30 for everyone else. And it comes with a T-shirt. Proceeds will benefit its Community & Youth Initiative.

Until December: The Boston Athletic Association Is Hosting the #FinishSTRONG Challenge. Participants can race the B.A.A. 5K, B.A.A. 10K, and B.A.A. Half Marathon anywhere and at any time through the end of December. Cost: $45 - $120 Part of the entry fee will go to Special Olympics of Massachusetts, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.

ANDOVER

Nov. 23 to 29: Andover's Feaster Five Turkey Trot Goes Virtual The decades-old Merrimack Valley tradition will continue this year — at a distance. There are four events: the "Kid's K," a 5K, a 5 mile run, and the "Challenge," which combines the 5K and the 5-mile.