The Original Columbus Turkey Trot

The Original Columbus Turkey Trot takes place in Upper Arlington, Ohio, in the Columbus area, on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026. The main event is the Turkey Trot 4-Miler, starting at 9:00 a.m. At the same time, a 2.5-mile Walk N' Talk offers a non-competitive option for those who prefer to walk, and a Tot Trot for the youngest participants gets things started at 8:30 a.m.

The 4-mile distance sits nicely between a 5K and a 10K, so it works both as a festive holiday jog and as a real race for runners who want a strong effort before the feast. The 2.5-mile walk keeps the morning open to families and non-runners. To be comfortable over four miles, aim for four to six weeks of regular running with a weekly longer run of four to five miles; add a few short pickups in the final weeks if you plan to race it. Dress for a late-November Ohio morning and give yourself time to warm up before the 9:00 a.m. start.