Tom O'Reilly Turkey Trot 5k

Tom O'Reilly Turkey Trot 5k takes place in Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, on November 21, 2026. The 1 Mile Fun Run for kids aged 10 and under goes off at 9:00 a.m., followed by the 5K (3.1 miles) at 10:00 a.m. The event is an annual Thanksgiving celebration that honors Tom “Dragon” O'Reilly and is held in Colonial Park, a Somerset County park.

The course is flat and fast, which makes this a good choice if you want a personal best over 5K before the year ends. Age-group awards are handed out and refreshments are served after the race. To get the most out of a flat course, spend the last six to eight weeks of your build adding one weekly session of faster running, such as 400-meter repeats or short tempo blocks, and practice an even-paced first mile. The mid-morning start leaves time for a proper breakfast and a full warm-up, so you can go out at goal pace without feeling stiff.