Most turkey trot events are designed to be fun, charity fundraisers. For runners who want a more competitive experience, many races supply sensors, worn on the ankle or tied to the shoe, that generate a personal time.
You can register for many of these events at area running stores, but deadlines vary, and fees go up the day of the race. Call race organizers for competition and registration details, and whether strollers and pets are allowed.
All events are on Thanksgiving Day. If you don’t see one close to you, check for more listings.
BROOMFIELD
Anthem Turkey Day 5K
Parkside Community Center, 3624 Parkside Center Drive (Lowell Boulevard and Colorado 7)
5K course runs through the Anthem Community, starting and ending at Parkside Community Center.
5K run/walk, 9 a.m.; half-mile Bumpkin Pumpkin kids race (ages 2-8), 10 a.m.
Registration: $35. Family division (four runners) 5K run: $100. $10 for Bumpkin Pumpkin runners. Proceeds benefit your choice of Project Hope, Children’s Hospital or Lance Armstrong Foundation.
Extras: T-shirts, goodie bags, post-race snacks for all participants; prize money for top three winners in men’s and women’s open and masters’ division.
Info: ; 720-270-6569
BOULDER
Turley’s Turkey Trot
University of Colorado at Boulder Research Park (at east campus)
A no-frills, low-key 5K through the US West Research Park on the CU Boulder east campus, 10 a.m.
Registration: 9 a.m. race day; $15. Proceeds benefit the Boulder County Food Share Program. Bring a canned food item or other monetary donation.
Extras: All 5K finishers will receive a $5 Turley’s gift certificate; age group prizes will be awarded.
Info:
CASTLE ROCK
Rock Trot 2009
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center
5K run (with walkers and families to follow), mostly flat with modest inclines through the Sellers Gulch Trail/Plum Creek area, 9:30 a.m.
Registration: $25/$30 on race day for adults, plus a nonperishable food item. Children under 12 free. Proceeds benefit the Douglas/Elbert Task Force working with residents in financial distress and at the risk of becoming homeless.
Extras: Long-sleeve T-shirt; trophies to top two male and female runners.
Info:
COLORADO SPRINGS
Briargate YMCA Turkey Trot
Briargate Family YMCA (Family Place and Union Avenue)
5K run/walk, 9 a.m., and 1K kids’ fun run, 8 a.m., start and end in front of the YMCA after looping around the hilly Briargate area.
Registration: $25, $27 on race day. Includes T-shirt and awards; fees benefit YMCA scholarships.
Info: ; 719-495-5103
DENVER
Mile High United Way Turkey Trot
Washington Park (west lawn of South High School, South Louisiana Avenue at East Franklin Street)
4-mile run/walk and 1-mile fun run on mostly flat course around perimeter of the park, through interior, finishing near Grasmere Lake, 10:15 a.m.
Registration: $40 adults, $25 children 12 and under. Benefits United Way programs.
Extras: Fee includes long-sleeve T-shirt, post-race expo, and refreshments.
Info: ; 303-561-2262
FORT COLLINS
Thanksgiving Day Run
Downtown
4-mile run/walk and kids fun run in Old Town, along College Avenue and through City Park, finishing at Oak Street Plaza.
Kids race (4 blocks), 8:45 a.m.; 4-mile run, 9 a.m.
Pre-register at the Fort Collins Club, 1307 E. Prospect Road, noon-7 p.m. Wednesday, or at Old Chicago, 147 S. College Ave., on race day.
Registration: $24-$50, depending on the shirt you choose
Extras: Pies and prize money
Info: ; 970-224-2582
GREELEY
North Colorado Medical Center Turkey Trot 5K
1801 16th St. 5K run, 9 a.m., and 2K run, 9:15 a.m., run through mostly flat terrain, starting on 16th and 18th avenues, travel through the Glenmere neighborhood and end at 16th and 17th avenues.
Registration: $20/$25 adults, $15/$20 youth 17 and under. Race day registration from 7:45-8:45 am.; bring a non-perishable food item for the Weld County Food Bank. Proceeds benefit the medical center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation.
Extras: Long-sleeve T-shirt, food, drinks. Cash prizes to top male and female finishers; frozen turkeys and pies awarded in other categories.
Info: /Colorado/North+Colorado+Medical +Center; 970-350-6170
HIGHLANDS RANCH/LITTLETON
Turkey Day 5K Family Fun Run/Walk
3270 Redstone Park Circle, Littleton
Course starts at Shea Stadium and runs through Redstone Park. Baby joggers are permitted for race runners. Dogs on leashes and baby strollers permitted for the walk.
5K race, 9. a.m.; Kids Fun Run, 10 a.m.
Registration: $40, benefits the The Colorado National Guard Foundation, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Extras: Refreshments, beer, prizes and post-race activities.
Info: ; 303-791-3500
LOVELAND
Loveland Turkey Trot
McKee Medical Center, 2000 Boise Ave.
The course follows a bike path, starting on Hoffman Drive, just north of the hospital and goes through a neighborhood to Boyd Lake and back to the hospital.
Kids Gobbler Trek, 8 a.m.; 5K race, 8:30 a.m.
Registration: $25 adults, $13 kids 12 and under. After Tuesday, $30 adults/$15 kids. Gobbler Trek is free.
Extras: Fee includes a T-shirt, prizes; benefits the Banner Simulation System at McKee Medical Center
Info: -co /loveland-turkey-trot-2009; 970-203-2519
WINDSOR
Pelican Lakes Turkey Trot
1600 Pelican Lakes Point, at Water Valley
5K run/walk and 5-mile run, 8 a.m., through Pelican Lakes Golf Course, winding along the Poudre River, lakes and fairways. All races start and end at the Pelican Lakes clubhouse., Registration: $25, begins at 6:30 a.m. at Pelican Lakes Golf Course, benefits Windsor Food Bank.
Extras: T-shirt with registration, prizes and treats after race.
Info: Tom@rmpeakfoundation.org; 970-218-4877
Compiled by Linda J. Buch and Kristen Browning-Blas
