O'side Turkey Trot

O'side Turkey Trot takes place in Oceanside, California, on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026. The morning opens with a 5-mile run at 6:45 a.m., followed by the 5K run/walk (3.1 miles) at 8:05 a.m., then the kids' 1-mile run at 10:00 a.m. and the kids' half-mile run at 10:25 a.m. Named one of the best Thanksgiving races in the country by Runner's World and the Los Angeles Times, it draws runners and walkers from nearly every state. The flat, fast 5K course follows the Coast Highway and the Pacific shoreline before finishing at the beachfront amphitheater. Highlights include live entertainment on the course, a costume contest, and one of the largest team competitions in the country. Every participant receives a t-shirt, a medal, free race photos, and live results.

The flat coastal course makes the 5K a prime spot for a personal best; six to eight weeks of consistent running with one weekly interval session will have you ready. The early 5-miler suits runners wanting a longer effort, and the late-morning kids' runs let families spread the day out.