Chatham Turkey Trot

Chatham Turkey Trot takes place in Chatham, Massachusetts, on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2026. The event is built around a single format, a 5K Run / Walk (3.1 miles) that starts at 8:00 a.m. Because runners and walkers share the same course, the field tends to mix competitive runners, families and people who simply want to get moving before the holiday meal.

A 5K on Thanksgiving is a good target whether you are chasing a fast time or running your first race. If you want to race it, the short distance rewards a few weeks of shorter intervals and strides on top of your regular easy mileage, followed by a light week before the holiday. If you are walking or jogging with family, there is no need for special preparation beyond a handful of relaxed 30-minute outings in the weeks before. Either way, the early start means a short warm-up jog before the gun will help you settle into your rhythm from the first stretch.