turkey trot
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Break a preemptive Thanksgiving sweat with your crew at a local turkey trot. If you’re looking for ways to give back with your family, try volunteering.

Somerset County 5K Turkey Trot
November 10
Colonial Park, Somerset
10 am

Rain or shine, you don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to start burning off calories for that massive meal. Bonus: you’ll have the entire day of Thanksgiving to cook your bird.

Ridgefield Park Soccer Association 1st Annual Turkey Trot
November 17
New Overpeck Park, Ridgefield Park
9 am-noon

Start your morning right. Choose between a 5K run and a mile walk to start your day.

5K Stampede through Clifton
November 17
Lester Herrschaft Center, Clifton
9-11 am

Lace up your running shoes and go for gold. Races will be divided by age groups and awards will be given to the top three racers, then stick around to win a raffle, gobble snacks, listen to music and more.

Bordentown Turkey Trot 2019
November 23
Joseph Lawrence Park, Bordentown
9-11 am

Come out for the family fun walk which starts promptly at 9 am or the 5K at 10 am. There’ll be awards for overall and age group winners. Be sure to stay after for refreshments and giveaways.

3rd Annual Hoboken Turkey Trot 5K and 1-mile Fun Run
November 23
Pier A Park, Hoboken
8 am-noon

Join this family-friendly event alongside Hoboken’s picturesque waterfront. The 1 mile fun run starts at 9:30 am and the 5K run begins at 10 am. A portion of proceeds will benefit local charities in Hoboken.

Vernon’s Annual Turkey Trot
November 28
Holy Counselor Lutheran Church, Vernon
8-11 am

Vernon will host its third annual run to raise funds in support of the Harvest House Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen (don’t forget to donate a nonperishable!).

Ashenfelter 8K Classic & The Tom Fleming Mile
November 28
Glen Ridge High School, Glen Ridge
8:15 am/mile, 9 am/8K

Both the 8K Classic and One Mile Run benefit the Glen Ridge Educational Foundation and honors heroes Horace Ashenfelter, who won the steeplechase event at the 1952 Olympic Games and Tom Fleming, who won the 1973 and 1975 New York City Marathons.

Krogh’s Annual Turkey Trot
November 28
23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta
8:15 am/fun run, 8:45 am/trot

Spend the morning with other community members, while also helping donate to Sparta Public Schools. Before you begin cooking for the day, this annual turkey trot invites you to walk, run, jog, skip or trot with your 5-and-uppers.

Racefaster Thanksgiving Day Run
November 28
390 Doremus Ave., Glen Rock
9-11 am

Start the burn early. Hit the streets with the fam and burn off calories before digging into dinner.

7th Annual Mercer County Turkey Trot
November 28
Mercer County Park, West Windsor
8:30 am/5K, 8:35 am/fun run

Hit either the 5K or walk/fun run with the fam. Make it a competition and see who can finish the race first. Winner gets the wishbone!

2019 CEA/Johanna Foods Turkey Trot
November 28-December 1
Main St., Flemington
9:30-11:30 am

Choose a 5K run or two-mile walk at this 27-year tradition. All proceeds benefit career pathways and community employment for students and adults with disabilities.

The Fast and the Furriest 5K Turkey Trot
November 28
OC Music Pier, Ocean City
8:30 am/5K

Start your day doing something good for yourself and the community. This family tradition starts with the 5K run/walk and is followed by a one-mile fun run for kids under age 14. All proceeds will go to Ocean City Humane Society.

Greater Woodbury Turkey Trot
November 28
River Winds Community Center, West Deptford
9-11 am

Bring out the kiddos to join in on the 5K race or two-mile walk so the whole family can exercise before the big chow down later that day.

Hopewell Valley Turkey Trot
November 28
Rosedale Park, Pennington
9:30-11 am

Break out those running shoes! Race day registration starts at 7:30 am and don’t forget to bring two canned goods for a discount. After the race, prizes will be given out to winners and the top turkey costume.

Matawan Borough 5K Turkey Trot
November 30
Terhune Park, Matawan
10 am/5K

Whether you’re a running fanatic, just starting out or have energetic kids, this turkey trot has something for you. Join the 5K run, fitness walk or kiddy dash. Proceeds will go to benefit Matawan’s Parks and Recreation programs. Food donations for the Matawan Food Pantry will also be accepted.