Turkey Trot and Fun Run

Turkey Trot and Fun Run takes place in Topeka, Kansas, on November 21, 2026. The main event is a 5K (3.1 miles) starting at 9:00 a.m., and a shorter Fun Run is offered to encourage the widest possible participation. The invitation is deliberately open: walk, run, skip, jump, roll or stroll, whatever gets you moving to kick off the Thanksgiving break.

The event is organized by the PTO members of all the elementary schools in USD 437, with the aim of bringing together students, families and the wider community; the funds raised are split evenly among the participating schools. Local food trucks and a mascot race add to the entertainment. As a running goal, the 5K is approachable for beginners with a few weeks of regular jogging, and it gives parents a chance to run alongside their kids or set a small personal target. Come dressed for a cold morning, warm up with a short jog, and do not worry about pace if this is your first organized run.