Before you slip into those stretchy pants and dive into the big holiday meal, why not make it a family tradition to get moving? Southwest Ohio is home to some of the region’s most loved Thanksgiving-day running events — perfect for runners, walkers, families, and fun-seekers alike.
Here are the top Thanksgiving races in Cincinnati, Dayton, and beyond for 2025 — including times, highlights, and a printable race-day checklist!
1. Turkey Trails – Cincinnati
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025
Start Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Sawyer Point Park, 705 E Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website: runsignup.com/Race/OH/Cincinnati/BodiesTurkeyTrailsCincinnati
Why go: A festive, early-November run that lets families kick off the holiday spirit before the big week.
Highlights:
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1-mile, 5K, 10K, and Kids Dash options.
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Custom race shirt and finisher medal.
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Free race photos and chip-timed results.
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Virtual option available.
Pro tip: Great for families with young runners who prefer an earlier, less-crowded event.
2. Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race at TQL Stadium (Cincinnati)
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Start Time: 9 a.m. for both the 5K and 10K
Location: TQL Stadium, 1501 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH
Website: thanksgivingdayrace.com
Why go: This is Cincinnati’s oldest running tradition — and one of the largest Thanksgiving races in the country! Runners and walkers of all ages can cross the finish line right on the field inside TQL Stadium for an unforgettable experience.
Highlights for 2025:
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Choose between the Chick-fil-A 5K or the Western & Southern 10K.
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ProAmpac Kids Fun Run (~¼ mile) starts at 8:30 a.m.
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Commemorative 2025 long-sleeve shirt and finisher medal.
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Family-friendly post-race celebration inside the stadium.
Pro tip: Parking fills up quickly — look for the East Garage or Findlay Market area garages for the best rates.
3. Meyer Brothers & Sons Hamilton Turkey Trot
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Start Times: Kids Fun Run: 8:10 a.m., 10K: 8:40 a.m., 5K: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Marcum Park, 116 Dayton St., Hamilton, OH 45011
Website: hamiltonturkeytrot.com
Why go: One of Butler County’s most spirited races, combining community pride, great prizes, and family fun.
Highlights:
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5K, 10K, Kids Fun Run, and virtual options.
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Team and individual awards.
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Proceeds benefit the YoungLives mentoring program.
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Packet pickup and mini-expo at The Benison Events Center.
Pro tip: Costumes are encouraged — and rewarded!
4. ORRRC Turkey Trot (Miamisburg)
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Riverfront Park, Miamisburg OH
Website: miamisburgtrot.com
Why go: Hosted by the Ohio River Road Runners Club, this long-standing race draws thousands of participants each year. The 5-mile course offers a refreshing alternative to the usual 5K, and the 1-mile fun run is great for kids and families.
Highlights:
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5-mile run/walk and 1-mile fun run options.
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Virtual race option available.
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Fun costume contest and post-race treats.
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Family-friendly and stroller-friendly event.
Pro tip: Register early — this race typically sells out weeks in advance.
5. West Chester Turkey Trot
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Start Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Voice of America MetroPark, 7850 VOA Park Drive, West Chester, OH
Website: ohioruns.com/westchesterturkeytrot
Why go: A festive, family-oriented race that combines flat paths and park scenery — ideal for runners and walkers of all skill levels.
Highlights for 2025:
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5K run/walk through scenic VOA MetroPark trails.
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Chip timing and professional results tracking.
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Participant shirts, medals, and refreshments included.
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Proceeds support local community programs.
Pro tip: Parking is free inside VOA MetroPark — but arrive early to beat the crowd and warm up along the lakeside loop.
6. Fleet Feet’s Mason Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Start Time: 8 a.m.
Location: Corwin Nixon Park, Mason, OH 45040
Website: masonturkeytrot.com
Why go: A friendly 5K perfect for families and first-time runners, organized by Fleet Feet.
Highlights:
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Stroller- and pet-friendly.
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Custom medal, race shirt, and post-race treats (think cinnamon rolls!).
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Benefits local charities.
Pro tip: Expect a cozy small-town feel and plenty of community cheer.
7. Cincinnati Hungry Turkey Half Marathon & 5K
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Downtown Cincinnati / Yeatman’s Cove area
Website: hungryturkeyhalf.com
Why go: Want to earn that extra slice of pumpkin pie? This pre-Thanksgiving race features both a half marathon and 5K, making it a great challenge for seasoned runners and weekend warriors alike.
Highlights:
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Local favorite Holtman’s Donuts at the finish line!
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Runner’s choice premium swag (quarter-zip or long-sleeve tee).
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Custom 2025 finisher medal.
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Portion of proceeds benefit local charities.
Pro tip: Held the weekend before Thanksgiving — making it a great warm-up for your big meal and family festivities.
8. Dayton Turkey Trot Half Marathon & 5K
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Start Time: 8 a.m.
Location: Welcome Stadium, Dayton OH
Website: https://ohioruns.com/daytonturkeytrot
Why go: With a scenic course along the Great Miami River Recreation Trail, this race is one of Dayton’s most picturesque Thanksgiving-weekend traditions.
Highlights for 2025:
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Half Marathon and 5K options.
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Finisher medal and swag bag for all participants.
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Kids fun run available.
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Local vendors and refreshments at the finish line.
Pro tip: The riverside path makes for perfect family photos — and there’s plenty of free parking near the stadium.
9. Vinberige Vineyards Wine Run Turkey Trot 5K (Worth the Drive)
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
Start Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Vinberige Vineyards, Thornville, OH
Website: runsignup.com/Race/OH/Thornville/VinberigeVineyardsWineRunTurkeyTrot5k
Why go: A “worth-the-drive” run for parents who love combining exercise with a little post-race relaxation!
Highlights:
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Scenic vineyard course and wine-themed finisher medal.
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Post-race wine tasting included for participants 21+.
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Great early-November event to get into the holiday running spirit.
Pro tip: Turn it into a weekend getaway — the vineyard’s tasting room makes the perfect post-race brunch spot.
Printable Race-Day Checklist — 2025
Make your Thanksgiving run smooth and stress-free with this handy checklist. Copy, print, or save it to your phone!
| Task | Notes |
|---|---|
| Register early | Save money and guarantee your shirt size. |
| Check packet-pickup times | Avoid race-morning lines. |
| Plan your parking and arrival | Downtown lots fill quickly for Cincinnati races. |
| Lay out your gear night before | It’s always chilly in late November — dress in layers. |
| Bring race confirmation & ID | Speeds up check-in. |
| Pack snacks & water bottle | Keep energy levels steady. |
| Review race map and start corrals | Especially important for stroller runners. |
| Plan post-race meal & photos | You’ve earned that pumpkin pie! |
| Share your race photos online | Use #TurkeyTrotSWO #Thanksgiving5K |
Make It a Tradition
Whether you’re running your first 5K or chasing a PR in a half marathon, Southwest Ohio’s Thanksgiving races are a fun, family-friendly way to kick off the holiday season. Bundle up, lace up, and celebrate fitness, family, and festive spirit this Turkey Day 2025!
