This updated 2025 guide covers all major Central Virginia Turkey Trots, Charlottesville Thanksgiving Day races, and family-friendly holiday fun runs throughout the region.
For many families across Charlottesville, Thanksgiving morning starts a little differently. Not with coffee and gooey cinnamon rolls, but with running shoes, starting lines, and a local Thanksgiving day race. Each year, the Charlottesville Turkey Trot, a community fun run and 5K held on or around Thanksgiving day, brings together neighbors, friends, and visitors in the spirit of gratitude, community, and fitness.
Charlottesville and Central Virginia host some of the most beloved holiday runs in the Commonwealth, drawing families from Albemarle, Fluvanna, Nelson, Augusta, and the surrounding region. Whether you’re a seasoned runner chasing a personal best or a family walking together before the big meal, kick off the holiday season at some of the region’s most beloved Turkey Trots and holiday runs!
Pro tip:
Be sure to check dates for any event you plan to participate in,
as several events take place during the week of Thanksgiving.
Charlottesville Turkey Trots and Fun Runs
Prolyfyck Turkey Trot “Run These Streets” 5K (Charlottesville)
Distance from Charlottesville: Downtown
Where: Jefferson School City Center, 233 Fourth Street NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 8:00 a.m.
Kick off Thanksgiving morning with the CREWW at the Prolyfyck Turkey Trot 5K, a free walk and run open to all paces. True to the Prolyfyck spirit, nobody is left behind. After the trot, enjoy complimentary donuts and browse Prolyfyck merchandise available for purchase.
Charlottesville Turkey Trot 5K (Charlottesville)
Drive from Charlottesville: 5-10 minutes
Where: Albemarle High School, 2775 Hydraulic Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Charlottesville Turkey Trot 5K with a scenic neighborhood route. Participants receive a soft technical race shirt and support local food banks and pantries.
Boar’s Head Turkey Trot 5K (Charlottesville)
Drive from Charlottesville: 10-15 minutes
Where: Boar’s Head Resort, 200 Ednam Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
Take in rolling views at the 44th annual Boar’s Head Turkey Trot, benefiting UVA Health Children’s. Registration includes a long-sleeve unisex T-shirt and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.
Central Virginia Thanksgiving Fun Runs
North Garden 5K (North Garden)
Drive from Charlottesville: 20-30 minutes
Where: Edge Valley Road, 5005 Edge Valley Rd, North Garden, VA 22959
When: Sunday, November 23, 2025, 8:00 a.m.
Run through the picturesque Central Virginia countryside before the holiday rush in the North Garden 5K. This pre-Thanksgiving race supports Red Hill Elementary and the North Garden Fire Department.
10th Annual Jarmansgiving (Crozet)
Drive from Charlottesville: 25 minutes
Where: Chiles Peach Orchard, 1351 Greenwood Rd, Crozet, VA 22932
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 7:00 a.m.
Tackle a Thanksgiving morning tradition at the 10th Annual Jarmansgiving Run. This free, choose-your-distance climb up Jarmans Gap supports the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank through donated nonperishables. A welcoming, all-paces event starting from Chile’s Orchard parking lot.
Tiger Trot Color Run + 5K (Scottsville)
Drive from Charlottesville: 30-40 minutes
Where: Scottsville Public Library, 330 Bird St, Suite #4390 Scottsville, VA 24590
When: Saturday, November 22, 2025, 7:00 a.m.
Add a burst of color to Thanksgiving week at the Tiger Trot Color Run and 5K, a family-friendly 1-mile kids’ run or 5K run or walk. Finish through the optional color celebration and take home an official race t-shirt. Proceeds benefit the Scottsville Elementary PTO.
Waynesboro YMCA Turkey Trot (Waynesboro)
Drive from Charlottesville: 30-40 minutes
Where: Waynesboro Family YMCA, 648 S Wayne Ave, Waynesboro, VA 22980
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
The Waynesboro YMCA Turkey Trot, a small-town favorite, has divisions for kids, families, and serious runners. Funds support local YMCA programs that strengthen the community.
Valley Children’s Advocacy Center The Club of Staunton Turkey Trot Run (Staunton)
Drive from Charlottesville: 40-45 minutes
Where: Club at Ironwood, 62 Country Club Cir, Staunton, VA 24401
When: Thursday, November 27 2025, 8:00 a.m.
Run the scenic Club of Staunton golf course and celebrate with a Pumpkin Pie Bite, t-shirt if registered by November 6, and medals for kids under 17 at the 14th Annual Club at Ironwood Turkey Trot. Proceeds support vital services for local children and families.
Waddle Gobble 2025 (Madison)
Drive from Charlottesville: 45 minutes
Where: Hebron Lutheran Church, 899 Blankenbaker Rd, Madison, Virginia 22727
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 8:00 a.m.
Enjoy a scenic Waddle Gobble 5K along Hebron Church Road and the Robinson River with breathtaking Blue Ridge views. All participants get a free t-shirt, age-group winners take home prizes, and post-race treats from Cake Krums Cafe await. Proceeds support Phase One Hoover Ridge Park improvements.
Shenandoah Valley Track Club (Pre) Thanksgiving Walk/Run 5K and 1 Mile (Bridgewater)
Drive from Charlottesville: 60 minutes
Where: Arey Assembly Hall, 201 Green St, Bridgewater, Virginia 22812
When: Sunday, November 23, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
Join the Shenandoah Valley Track Club on this flat, fast course, welcoming runners and walkers of all ages, with awards for top finishers and fun treats for participants.
Holiday Fun Runs and Festive 5Ks Beyond Thanksgiving
Looking for more race fun after Thanksgiving? From scenic vineyard routes to downtown holiday dashes, keep the holiday spirit going with these fun and festive seasonal runs:
Bold Blitzen 5K (Nellysford)
Drive from Charlottesville: 45 minutes
Where: Bold Rock Cidery, 1020 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 22958
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
Kick off the holiday season at the Bold Blitzen 5K, meandering through scenic vineyard views, then celebrate with festive drinks and holiday treats. Family-friendly and perfect for all skill levels, and don’t forget your holiday gear! Proceeds benefit local charities.
Santa Fun Run (Charlottesville)
Drive from Charlottesville: Downtown
Where: Ting Pavillion, 700 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Keep the holiday spirit going with the Santa Fun Run, a festive downtown run. Wear Santa hats or elf ears while supporting individuals with developmental disabilities through The Arc of the Piedmont.
Frosty 5K & Reindeer Dash (Charlottesville)
Drive from Charlottesville: 10-15 minutes
Where: Charlottesville Alliance Sports Club, 1313 Polo Grounds Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911
When: Sunday, December 7, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
Join the Frosty 5K & Reindeer Dash, a fun and festive community run or walk. Don’t forget the festive attire (ugly sweaters and Christmas lights encouraged)! All ages and abilities are welcome. Proceeds benefit the 2012 Girls soccer team’s trip to the MAD Cup in Madrid.
Charlottesville Track Club 2026 New Year’s Day 5K (Free Union)
Drive from Charlottesville: 20-30 minutes
Where: Free Union, 5404 Wesley Chapel Rd, Free Union, VA 22940
When: Thursday, January 1, 2026, 10:00 a.m.
Start 2026 on the right foot at the New Year’s Day 5K! Run or walk 3.1 miles with the Charlottesville Track Club and kick off the year in style. Early registrants by December 10 receive a festive Fireworks Beanie. Proceeds benefit Shoes for Kids, providing running shoes to local youth athletes.
Fluvanna Young Life Frosty 5K (Palmyra)
Drive from Charlottesville: 30-40 minutes
Where: Pleasant Grove Park, 271 Pleasant Grove Dr, Palmyra, VA 22963
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 8:00 a.m.
Kick off the holiday season with the Frosty 5K at Pleasant Grove Park! Run or walk 3.1 miles along scenic roads and trails, then celebrate with post-race snacks and awards for top finishers. Kids can join a fun 1-mile run with medals and treats. Proceeds support Fluvanna Young Life.
Join the Tradition With a Local Race
Whether it’s your first 5K or your family’s annual ritual, Charlottesville Turkey Trots and holiday fun runs are more than races. They’re celebrations of community, generosity, and the simple joy of moving together. Lace up, show up, and start the holiday season with gratitude in motion!
FAQs About Central Virginia Turkey Trots
Q: What time do most Charlottesville Turkey Trots start?
Most begin between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., depending on the race.
Q: Are Central Virginia Turkey Trots family-friendly?
Yes. Nearly all races welcome walkers, strollers, multigenerational families, and beginners.
Q: Are there Turkey Trots near Charlottesville earlier than Thanksgiving Day?
Yes—North Garden, Scottsville, and other nearby communities host pre-Thanksgiving races the weekend before.
Q: What should families wear to Thanksgiving Day races?
Dress in layers and choose comfortable running or walking shoes; holiday-themed attire is always welcome.
Looking for seasonal fun all around Charlottesville and Central Virginia? Find activities and celebrations every week with our local calendar of events. If you are hosting guests for Thanksgiving, here is some tried-and-true advice for entertaining guests from out of town.
Don’t miss a thing—sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag for weekly event highlights and family fun ideas. And be sure to meet our valued partners who serve local families.
AMANDA DANAHER is a busy mom of five who is passionate about bringing encouragement to other parents through writing. She focuses on freelancing for Virginia parent and family magazines where she can utilize her journalism degree and share her parenting experience.