Five-Alarm Turkey Trot

Five-Alarm Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day 5K (3.1 miles) held in Pequannock, New Jersey, on November 26, 2026, starting at 9:00 a.m. The name and the organizer's website appear to point to the local fire company, so the trot likely doubles as a fundraiser and community gathering for the township on the morning of the holiday.

A fire-company 5K is usually a friendly, mixed-ability event, which makes it a comfortable first race and an equally good spot for a fast time. Beginners can prepare over six weeks with three easy sessions per week, alternating walking and running until 3.1 miles feels manageable. Runners chasing a personal best should keep their weekly long run, add one workout of short, fast repeats and jog lightly the day before. The 9:00 a.m. start leaves room for a light breakfast a couple of hours beforehand and a 10-minute warm-up jog with a few strides, which helps the first half mile feel controlled rather than frantic.