Thanksgiving Day Apple Cup 5K

Thanksgiving Day Apple Cup 5K takes place in Seattle, Washington, on November 26, 2026, with a 9:30 a.m. start on Thanksgiving morning. The single 5K (3.1 miles) invites you to run or walk a scenic course around Green Lake. Playing on the Apple Cup rivalry, this annual event encourages participants to wear Huskies or Cougars colors for a festive atmosphere. Post-race refreshments are provided, and awards go to the top finishers.

A course around a lake tends to be gentle on the legs, which makes this a reasonable place to run a fast time if you want one. Warm up with an easy jog, then hold an even pace and pass the wait-and-see runners in the final mile. If you would rather keep it relaxed, the run-or-walk format and 9:30 a.m. start suit families and first-timers; six weeks of three easy runs per week is enough to be ready. Late November in Seattle often means damp conditions, so a light water-resistant layer and a change of clothes for afterward are worth packing.