Imagine starting your Thanksgiving Day not with the smell of roasting turkey but with the salty sea breeze in your hair and the sound of running shoes hitting the pavement. Welcome to the O’side Turkey Trot, a beloved holiday tradition that’s been gobbling up attention for nearly two decades. This event is featured in our Thanksgiving Guide 2024, so you know it’s a big deal!
Located in Oceanside, California, just a stone’s throw (or about 10 miles) north of Encinitas, California, this event has become the go-to pre-feast activity for locals and visitors alike. It’s not in Encinitas proper, but it’s close enough to make it back in time for seconds at the dinner table.
Why Trot When You Can Gobble?
Now in its 19th year, the O’side Turkey Trot isn’t just another run – it’s a full-blown turkey-day extravaganza. With options for everyone from serious runners to tiny trotters, this event is all about “moving your feet before you eat.” And let’s be honest, after a 5K, you can totally justify that extra slice of pumpkin pie.
The Main Course: Race Options
The 2024 O’side Turkey Trot serves up a menu of races that’ll satisfy every appetite:
- Early Bird 5K: For those who like to catch the worm (or in this case, the turkey), this race kicks off at 6:45 AM.
- Main Wave 5K: Not a morning person? No worries! Join the main flock at 8:05 AM.
- Double Dip 5K: For the overachievers who think one 5K isn’t enough, why not do both? It’s like having turkey and ham!
- Kids’ Races: Let the little ones burn off some energy with a 1-mile run (for 7-12-year-olds) or a 1/5-mile dash (for six and under).
Dressing Up the Turkey
What’s Thanksgiving without some flair? The O’side Turkey Trot encourages participants to come in costume. Whether you’re dressed as a pilgrim, a turkey, or your Aunt Mildred’s infamous green bean casserole, there’s a costume contest waiting for you. It’s your chance to strut your stuff before you stuff yourself.
A Side of Entertainment
As you trot along the scenic beachside course, you’ll be treated to live entertainment that will keep your feet moving. It’s like a Thanksgiving parade, but you’re in it!
The Cherry on Top (or Should We Say, the Gravy?)
Every participant gets a finisher medal because everyone’s a winner in this race. You also get a race T-shirt (perfect for hiding that post-dinner food baby), free race photos (to prove to your relatives that you actually did exercise), and chip timing with live results (for when you need to settle that bet with your competitive cousin).
Location, Location, Location
The O’side Turkey Trot takes place right in the heart of Oceanside. The 5K races start at 330 N. Coast Highway and finish behind the amphitheater on the strand. It’s a flat, fast course with water views and ocean breezes – because nothing says “Thanksgiving” quite like sand between your toes.
A Feast for the Eyes (and Legs)
The course is a visual buffet, starting on Coast Highway and winding its way along the beautiful Oceanside coastline. You’ll enjoy stunning ocean views while you work up an appetite. It’s like a sightseeing tour, but with more heavy breathing.
More Than Just a Turkey Trot
This isn’t just about burning calories – it’s about giving back. The event has raised nearly $500,000 for non-profits serving Oceanside residents. So, while you’re trotting, you’re also helping your community. It’s a win-win, or should we say, a wing-wing?
What the Pilgrims Are Saying
One happy trotter raved, “Voted Top Trot by Runner’s World Magazine & LA Times – it’s like the Thanksgiving of Thanksgiving runs!”
The Details
- Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024 (Thanksgiving Day, of course!)
- Time: Various start times from 6:45 AM to 10:25 AM
- Location: Oceanside, CA (Start line at 330 N. Coast Highway)
- Price: Ranges from $30 for kids’ races to $67 for the adult “Double Dip” 5K
In a Nutshell
The O’side Turkey Trot is more than just a race – it’s a full-fledged Thanksgiving experience. It’s a chance to create new traditions, burn off some pre-feast calories, and maybe even outrun your guilt about that second helping of stuffing. So lace up those sneakers, don your best turkey costume, and join the flock in Oceanside this Thanksgiving. After all, life is short – eat the pie, but maybe run a 5K first.
Remember, in the grand Thanksgiving tradition, it’s not about who finishes first – it’s about who has the best story to tell at the dinner table. And with the O’side Turkey Trot, you’re guaranteed to have a tale worth gobbling about.
Sources: raceroster.com, sandiegorunningco.com
Header Image Source: sandiegorunningco.com
