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River Hills Retreat’s Turkey Trot from 2024 — Turkey trots in Birmingham can help you get active before Thanksgiving lunch (River Hills Retreat 2024)

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, there are typically two mindsets: You’re either dreaming of the big meal (guilty), or you’re one of those families who can’t rest until after the annual Thanksgiving Day 5K or half-marathon.

Well, why not both? We’ve got six Birmingham-area turkey trots coming up in the next few weeks. Keep reading and see which one you and your fam can head out to this year before you fill your plates.

GORUCK Turkey Trot | Homewood

Homewood Central Park 103 6 turkey trots in Birmingham to get you moving this Thanksgiving — GORUCK Turkey Trot starts at Homewood Central Park (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Rucking, walking with added weight, has become more and more popular as groups like GORUCK organize community events.

And now, it’s coming to Homewood for the GORUCK Turkey Trot the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Note: A ruck plate and reflective rucksack are required for this!

What: 12-mile + 5K
When: Sat, Nov 22nd | 8AM
Where: Homewood Central Park, 1632 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
Cost: $35
Register now

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River Hills Retreat Turkey Trot 5K | Hayden

The River Hills Retreat 5K takes you along the Locust Fork River—through a winding path and with beautiful views, just 30 minutes north of downtown Birmingham.

What: 5K
When: Saturday, Nov 22 | 8AM
Where: River Hills Retreat, 11814 Highway 160, Hayden, AL, 35079
Cost: $35
Register now

St. Catherine’s Episcopal Turkey Trot 5K Run | Chelsea

St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church is hosting their seventh annual Turkey Trot 5K Run on Thanksgiving Day. Proceeds go to St. Catherine’s Building Fund.

What: 5K
When: Thursday, Nov 27 | 7:30AM
Where: Chelsea Recreational Park, 2966 Co Rd 39, Chelsea, AL 35043
Cost: $25
Register now

Turkey Trot at the Junction | Birmingham

Mutt Strut in Birmingham — You (and your pup!) can get exercise in before your Thanksgiving feast in Birmingham. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Kick off Thanksgiving morning with the City of Birmingham’s Turkey Trot at the Junction! Proceeds benefit the city’s Giving Tuesday Campaign, which supports Banks Academy, a private middle and high school in East Birmingham.

What: 5K
When: Thursday, Nov 27 | 8AM
Where: CrossPlex Junction, 2340 Crossplex Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35208
Cost: $30
Register now

Chasing Recovery 5K + 1-mile fun run | Jasper

Jasper’s Turkey Trot is back for the 3rd annual Chasing Recovery 5K and 1-mile fun run. The best part: Money raised from this race goes to 3D Revolution LLC in Nauvoo, Alabama—a nonprofit that reaches women who have been victims of abuse.

Come in your best “Turkey Day” attire.

What: 5K + 1-mile fun run
When: Thursday, November 27 | 8AM
Where: Walker County Courthouse, 219 19th St W, Jasper, AL 35501
Cost: $25
Register now

Sam Lapidus Montclair Run | Birmingham

One of Birmingham’s most cherished traditions, the Sam Lapidus Montclair Run, is celebrating its 49th year, and you’re invited to participate!

Sam Lapidus lost his life to childhood cancer and to this day, five dollars of every runner’s registration is donated in Sam’s memory to the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama.

Costumes are encouraged!

What: 5K, 10K + 1-mile fun run
When: Thursday, Nov 27
- 5K+10K: 8:30-11:30AM
- Fun run: 10-11AM
Where: Levite Jewish Community Center, 3960 Montclair Rd, Birmingham, AL 35213
Cost: 5K: $36 | 10K: $42 | Fun Run: $18
Register now

While each of these races are fun, family-friendly traditions, most of them also go toward a great cause! And, it gives you a great way to get active right before enjoying all your favorite recipes.

What are your Thanksgiving Day plans? Are you finding turkey trots in Birmingham, or are you staying in? Find more ways to stay healthy this holiday season.

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