Southern Oregon Runners Turkey Trot

Southern Oregon Runners Turkey Trot takes place in Talent, Oregon, on November 26, 2026, with three staggered starts on Thanksgiving morning: an 8 Mile Run (about 12.9 kilometers) at 8:15 a.m., a 5K (3.1 miles) at 8:30 a.m., and a 2 Mile at 8:40 a.m. The event supports the SOU food bank and the SOR Student Runners programs, with proceeds funding initiatives such as Shoes for Kids, KidsRunFree, and the XC project, which provide young athletes with running shoes and race entries. There is also a free kids race and family-friendly options, and participants receive a custom bib and a medal.

The 8-mile option stands out among Thanksgiving races and is a good fit if you are building toward a spring half marathon: ten weeks of three or four runs per week with a long run reaching 8 to 10 miles will get you there. The 5K is the natural pick for a hard, short effort or a first race, while the 2 Mile suits kids, walkers, and anyone easing into running. Dress in layers for a late-November morning and warm up before your wave.