Clay County YMCA Turkey Trot 5k

Clay County YMCA Turkey Trot 5k is a Thanksgiving Day run in Brazil, Indiana, on November 26, 2026. The single race, the YMCA Turkey Trot 5k (3.1 miles), starts at 8:00 a.m. Organized by the Clay County YMCA, it gives local runners and walkers a reason to get out early on the holiday before the day's festivities begin.

For most participants, a 5K on Thanksgiving is less about time and more about tradition, but the distance also works well as a season-ending race. Beginners can prepare with a simple run-walk plan over four to six weeks, gradually lengthening the running segments until 3.1 miles feels manageable. Runners aiming for a personal best should keep their easy mileage steady through November, include one weekly speed session, and treat the last three or four days before the race as recovery. With an 8:00 a.m. start, a 10-minute jog and a few strides before the gun will help you settle into pace from the first stretch.