West Hill Turkey Trot

West Hill Turkey Trot is held in Schenectady, New York, on Thursday, November 26, 2026. The 5K Run starts at 10:00 a.m., with a 1.5 Mile Walk setting off right behind it at 10:01 a.m. The late-morning start is a plus in upstate New York at the end of November, giving the day a chance to warm up before you head out.

Runners get a classic 5K, while the 1.5 Mile Walk gives non-runners, older relatives, and young kids a way to take part in the same event. If you want to race the 5K, a few weeks of steady running with one weekly session of intervals or a tempo run is all you need; treat the morning as a chance to test your fitness before the holiday meal. If you are new to running, aim to cover the distance with a mix of jogging and walking rather than worrying about pace. Dress in layers: late November in the Mohawk Valley can be cold at the start, and you will warm up quickly once you are moving.