Thanksgiving Day 5k and Kids Fun Run-Stephens

Thanksgiving Day 5k and Kids Fun Run-Stephens takes place in Stephens City, Virginia, on November 26, 2026, at Sherando Park, next to Sherando High School. The Tot Trot for kids, about 100 meters, goes off at 8:00 a.m., followed by the Thanksgiving 5K (3.1 miles) at 8:45 a.m. The 5K course mixes a track, paved paths, and wooded trails. Registration includes a long-sleeve race shirt, a custom medal, a mini pie, and timing with instant results, and live music adds to the holiday atmosphere before your Thanksgiving meal.

A course that combines track, pavement, and wooded trail rewards a versatile approach: wear shoes with some grip for the trail sections, expect your pace to fluctuate, and judge your effort rather than your splits. It is a good fit for runners who want variety, for families doing the Tot Trot and the 5K together, and for beginners, who can prepare with six to eight weeks of three easy runs per week. Bring the kids early for their 8:00 a.m. start and warm up before the 5K.