Orange County Turkey Trots 2026: Thanksgiving Day Races & Fun Runs

Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. Orange County kicks off the holiday with turkey trots from Seal Beach to Rancho Mission Viejo, including the Dana Point Turkey Trot, one of the largest Thanksgiving races in the country, and smaller community 5Ks with pumpkin pie, costume contests and kids' races.

Race details below come from each organizer's official site or registration page. Prices go up as race day approaches, so confirm times and fees with the race before registering. For races the rest of the year, see our Orange County 5Ks, 10Ks, Fun Runs & Races calendar.

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots (Thursday, November 26)

Dana Point Turkey Trot

The 49th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot, produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, is Orange County's signature Thanksgiving race and is described by organizers as one of the nation's largest turkey trots. The USA Track & Field-certified course runs through Dana Point Harbor, and race day includes a costume contest and a health and fitness expo.

Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Distances: 10K, 5K (three start times), Combo 10K + 5K, Kids' 1-Mile Gobble Wobble (ages 2–12) and a Virtual 5K
Start times: 10K 7 a.m.; 5K 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.; 5K Family Walk/Run 10 a.m.; costume contest 9 a.m.; Kids' Gobble Wobble 10:30 a.m.
Location: Dana Point Harbor. Packet pick-up and the expo are in the Dana Marina Plaza parking lot, 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr. (Wednesday, November 25, noon–6 p.m., and race morning 6–11 a.m.)
Parking: Free race-day shuttles run 5:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. from Dana Hills High School (33333 Golden Lantern) and Costco (33961 Doheny Park Rd., San Juan Capistrano) to Del Prado & Golden Lantern. Public parking is also available in the Dana Point Harbor parking structure (799 Harbor Way) and on streets and city lots in the Lantern District, plus a free e-bike corral
Price: Regular online pricing on Race Roster: 5K $48, 10K $54, Combo $63, Kids' Gobble Wobble $25, Virtual 5K $45. Registration is non-refundable
Kids, strollers & dogs: Strollers are allowed but must line up toward the back of the start corral. Dogs are not allowed on course. An Adult Gobble Buddy can be added to a child's Gobble Wobble registration
Charity: A portion of each registration supports the 2026 charity partners, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and the RH Dana Elementary School Booster Club
Includes: T-shirt, finisher medal, timed race bib (kids' race not timed) and a virtual goody bag; the 10K awards prize money to the top three men and women

Official site: Dana Point Turkey Trot

Irvine/Orange County Turkey Trot 5K & 1 Mile

This flat course loops the Irvine Valley College campus past citrus groves, and every finisher gets a custom medal, an event shirt and a slice of pumpkin pie.

Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Distances: 5K (chip timed), 1 Mile Turkey Dash (not timed), Turkey Feast Combo (1 mile + 5K), Kids' Gobble Wobble and a virtual run
Start times: 1 Mile and Combo 7:30 a.m.; 5K 8 a.m. (runners must cross the start by 8:12 a.m.); Kids' Gobble Wobble from about 9:10 a.m.
Location: Irvine Valley College, 5500 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine
Parking: Organizers advise arriving early because parking takes time; check the race site for lot details
Price: Posted on RunSignup with fees: 5K $42.80, 1 Mile $33, Combo $56, Kids' Gobble Wobble $31, virtual $56. Prices increase after October 30 (kids' races after October 31)
Kids, strollers & dogs: Kids' races are a Diaper Dash (3 and under), Tot Trot (4–5), a quarter mile (6–10) and a half mile (11–12), and one adult per child may run along. The course is described as walker friendly and stroller ready, and a child riding in a stroller on the 5K does not need to register. Dog policy: check the race site
Charity: Not listed; check the race site

Official site: Irvine/Orange County Turkey Trot on RunSignup

Turkey Trot OC 5K (Tustin)

The Orange County Rescue Mission's 13th annual Thanksgiving morning 5K draws about 2,500 runners and walkers and supports the Mission's programs for people experiencing homelessness.

Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Distances: 5K run/walk
Start times: Pre-race refreshments 6:30 a.m.; 5K 8 a.m.; expo and awards immediately after the race
Location: Orange County Rescue Mission, 1 Hope Drive, Tustin. Early packet pick-up is Monday and Tuesday, November 23–24, in the late afternoon at the same address; race-morning pick-up is 6:30–7:30 a.m.
Parking: check the race site
Price: $45.80 including fees through November 22 on RunSignup; race-morning registration (6–8:30 a.m. on November 26) is listed at $56.48
Kids, strollers & dogs: Children 5 and under, including those in strollers, can take part without registering (shirts and medals are only for registered participants). Well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed
Charity: Orange County Rescue Mission

Official site: Turkey Trot OC 5K

Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble

The 15th annual Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble is a casual 5K/10K by the beach with wave starts every 20 minutes, so families can pick a time that suits them. Proceeds help drill wells that provide clean water in developing countries.

Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Distances: 5K, 10K and a kids' fun run
Start times: 5K/10K waves at 7, 7:20, 7:40, 8, 8:20, 8:40 and 9 a.m.; kids' fun run at 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. (if kids are present)
Location: Entrance at Pacific Coast Highway and Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach
Parking: In the lot next to the start/finish area and on the street
Price: Ages 13 and under $20. Ages 14 and up $45 online through October 31, $50 through November 22, and $55 on race day
Kids, strollers & dogs: Strollers are welcome (start at the back of the pack), and dogs are welcome
Charity: Clean-water wells in developing countries

Official site: Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble

Turkey Trot on the Ranch (Rancho Mission Viejo)

The 10th annual Turkey Trot on the Ranch follows the paths and walkways of Rancho Mission Viejo and is open to the public; The Nature Reserve lists it as a public event, not a residents-only one. All proceeds benefit The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo.

Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026 (rain or shine)
Distances: 10K, 5K and the Little Gobbler's 1K
Start times: 10K 8 a.m.; 5K 8:30 a.m.; Little Gobbler's 1K 10 a.m.
Location: The 5K and 10K start at The Pavilion (2 Tierno Road) and finish at Sendero Field (29201 Ortega Highway); the 1K is at Sendero Field. Packet pick-up is Saturday, November 21 (9 a.m.–1 p.m., The Pavilion), Wednesday, November 25 (10 a.m.–5 p.m., Rancho MMC Office, 28436 Airoso Street) and race morning
Parking: Parking and the RanchRide shuttle are free, with shuttles starting at 7 a.m.; assigned lots for each race are listed on the race site
Price: Posted on RunSignup with fees: 10K $48.70, 5K $43.40, Little Gobbler's 1K $16.90. Online registration stays open until race morning
Kids, strollers & dogs: Strollers are welcome in all races (start behind the runners), and parents may join 1K runners. Organizers encourage leaving dogs at home; any dog that comes must be leashed and controlled
Charity: The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo

Official site: Turkey Trot on the Ranch on RunSignup

Plymouth Rock n Run (Yorba Regional Park)

This Thanksgiving Day race at Yorba Regional Park has USATF-certified 5K and 10K courses along La Palma Avenue and the Santa Ana River Trail, chip timing, and a finish-line festival with a costume contest and live music.

Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
Distances: 10K, 5K, Kids' 1K and a 100-yard Tot Trot, plus a virtual 5K/10K
Start times: 10K 7 a.m.; 5K 8 a.m.; kids' races from 9 a.m. Late registration and packet pick-up open at 6 a.m.; organizers say the schedule is subject to change
Location: Yorba Regional Park, 7400–7654 La Palma Ave., Anaheim
Parking: check the race site
Price: 5K or 10K $43.40 with fees through November 3, rising to $48.70 (November 4–19), $54 (November 20–24) and $64.60 (November 25–26); ages 17 and under $16.90. Kids' 1K $16.90 ($22.20 from November 25); Tot Trot $16.90
Kids, strollers & dogs: Parents may run with their children in the kids' 1K if they start at the back. Age limits for the kids' races are listed differently on different race pages, so check the race site. Stroller and dog policy: check the race site
Charity: Not listed; check the race site

Official site: Plymouth Rock n Run on RunSignup

Turkey Trots the Weekends Before & After Thanksgiving

The Stuffing Shuffle (Fountain Valley)

Held two weekends before Thanksgiving, this low-key 5K, 10K and half marathon runs on open, looped paths in Mile Square Park.

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Distances: 5K, 10K and half marathon
Start times: Bib pick-up opens 7:30 a.m.; half marathon 8 a.m.; 5K and 10K 8:30 a.m.
Location: Mile Square Park, Parking Lot D (across from 11014 Lavender Ave.), Fountain Valley
Parking: $5 per car at Mile Square Park (opens 7 a.m.); limited free street parking
Price: 5K $29.50, 10K $34.50 and half marathon $45 through November 12, then $45, $45 and $50 through race morning
Kids, strollers & dogs: check the race site
Charity: check the race site

Official site: The Stuffing Shuffle on RunSignup

Seal Beach Turkey Trot

The 8th annual Financial Partners Credit Union Seal Beach Turkey Trot starts and finishes on Main Street at Central Avenue, in front of Hennessey's Tavern, and runs along Ocean Boulevard, through a park and past the pier.

Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Distances: 5K run/walk, 10K run/walk, a Gym Challenge and the 1K Kids' "Don't Be a Turkey" Trot (ages 10 and under)
Start times: The event begins at 7 a.m.; check the race site for each race's start time
Location: Main Street at Central Avenue, Seal Beach
Parking: check the race site
Price: Posted on Race Roster: 5K $40, 10K $45, kids' 1K $15 (prices go up as race day nears)
Kids, strollers & dogs: Kids' 1K for ages 10 and under; stroller and dog policy: check the race site
Charity: check the race site

Official site: Seal Beach Turkey Trot

Anaheim Turkey Trot 5K/10K & Fun Run

Caren Ware Events' Anaheim Turkey Trot runs on the paved Santa Ana River Trail between Angel Stadium and the Honda Center, with pumpkin pie at the finish and street tacos and tamales available.

Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026
Distances: 5K, 10K and a 1-mile fun run
Start times: Registration and walk-up packet pick-up 6:30–8 a.m.; rolling start for the 5K and 10K 7:55–8:10 a.m.; 1-mile fun run 8:11 a.m.
Location: Santa Ana River Trail just north of Katella Ave. and S. Douglas Road (closest address: 2610 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim)
Parking: Angel Stadium back lot, $10 (pay the attendant in cash, by Zelle or Venmo, or prepay when you register), entering via Douglas Way off Katella; limited extra parking at Transit Center Lot B
Price: Posted on RunSignup with fees: 5K $46.70, 10K $57.20, 1-mile fun run $33. The 5K and fun-run prices rise after October 31, the 10K after November 16
Kids, strollers & dogs: The trail is shared with cyclists, walkers and dog walkers; race stroller and dog policy: check the race site
Charity: Not listed; check the race site

Official site: Anaheim Turkey Trot on RunSignup

Turkey Trot Saturday (Yorba Regional Park)

A Better World Running's relaxed Thanksgiving-weekend race uses marked out-and-back loops on a shared path, and runners and walkers of every level are welcome.

Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Distances: 5K, 10K, 15K and half marathon (3:15 time limit for the half)
Start times: Bib pick-up 6:45–7:30 a.m.; all races start at 7:30 a.m.
Location: Yorba Regional Park, 7420 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim (off La Palma Ave. and N. Huxford Lane)
Parking: Free, including the overflow lot next to the main lot
Price: Race-day registration is $35 (5K), $40 (10K), $45 (15K) and $50 (half marathon); online registration is also available. No refunds
Kids, strollers & dogs: check the race site
Charity: check the race site

Official site: Turkey Trot Saturday

Turkey Trot Sunday (Irvine)

The same race series returns the next morning at Bill Barber Memorial Park, with the same distances and marked loops on a shared path.

Date: Sunday, November 29, 2026
Distances: 5K, 10K, 15K and half marathon
Start times: Bib pick-up 6:45–7:30 a.m.; all races start at 7:30 a.m.
Location: Bill Barber Memorial Park, Irvine (entrance off Harvard Ave. and Civic Center Plaza); check-in is at the back corner of the lot near softball field 1
Parking: Free in the park lot
Price: Race-day registration is $35 (5K), $40 (10K), $45 (15K) and $50 (half marathon); online registration is also available. No refunds
Kids, strollers & dogs: check the race site
Charity: check the race site

Official site: Turkey Trot Sunday

Volunteer at a Turkey Trot

Many Orange County turkey trots depend on volunteers to help with check-in, water stations and finish-line medals. Learn more about race volunteer shifts and other ways to give back this holiday in our Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities guide.

Orange County Turkey Trots FAQs

What is the biggest turkey trot in Orange County?

The Dana Point Turkey Trot in Dana Point Harbor. Now in its 49th year, it offers a 10K, three 5K start times, a 15K combo and a kids' mile, and organizers describe it as one of the nation's largest turkey trots.

Which Orange County turkey trots are good for kids?

Most have a kids' option: the Kids' 1-Mile Gobble Wobble in Dana Point (ages 2–12), age-group Gobble Wobble races in Irvine, the Little Gobbler's 1K at Turkey Trot on the Ranch, a kids' 1K and Tot Trot at Plymouth Rock n Run, kids' fun runs at the Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble and a kids' 1K at the Seal Beach Turkey Trot. At the Turkey Trot OC 5K in Tustin, children 5 and under can join without registering.

Can I bring my dog to a turkey trot?

The Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble welcomes dogs, and the Turkey Trot OC 5K in Tustin allows well-behaved dogs on leashes. Turkey Trot on the Ranch asks runners to leave dogs at home, but leashed dogs are permitted. Dogs are not allowed on the Dana Point course. For other races, check the race site.

Can I register for a turkey trot on race day?

Several races list race-day registration, including the Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble ($55 for ages 14 and up), the Turkey Trot OC 5K (race-morning registration from 6 a.m.), Plymouth Rock n Run (late registration from 6 a.m.), the Anaheim Turkey Trot (walk-up registration from 6:30 a.m.) and Turkey Trot Saturday and Sunday ($35–$50). Turkey Trot on the Ranch keeps online registration open until race morning. Race-day prices are usually higher.

Which turkey trot is best for walkers and beginners?

Dana Point's 10 a.m. 5K Family Walk/Run is designed for walkers, families and strollers. The Irvine/OC Turkey Trot has a flat, walker-friendly course and an untimed 1-mile Turkey Dash, and the Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble's wave starts every 20 minutes let you pick a start time that suits your group.