At a Glance: Turkey Trots in Charlottesville for 2026
- The Charlottesville Turkey Trot 5K and Boar’s Head Turkey Trot both happen on Thanksgiving morning.
- Other local fun runs during Thanksgiving week happen in North Garden, Crozet, Scottsville, Waynesboro, Madison, Bridgewater, and Staunton.
- Central Virginia towns host many fun runs during the winter holiday season to raise money for local charities and community events.
- Turkey trots and holiday fun runs in Central Virginia encourage festive attire and welcome families with children of all ages.
- Register early to get perks and prizes for runners, and check race websites before showing up to make sure no details have changed.
Charlottesville and Central Virginia host some of the most beloved holiday runs in the Commonwealth. These races and fun runs draw 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. Several events take place during the week of Thanksgiving, including on Thanksgiving morning.
Charlottesville Turkey Trots and Fun Runs
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, these holiday fun runs brins together neighbors, friends, and visitors, all in the spirit of gratitude and community.
Charlottesville Turkey Trot 5K (Charlottesville)
- Drive from Charlottesville: 5-10 minutes
- Where: Albemarle High School
- When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 @ 9:00 a.m.
- Register and learn more.
Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Charlottesville Turkey Trot 5K with a scenic neighborhood route. Participants receive a soft technical race shirt. Proceeds go to support local food banks and pantries.
Boar’s Head Turkey Trot 5K (Charlottesville)
- Drive from Charlottesville: 10-15 minutes
- Where: Boar’s Head Resort
- When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 @ 9:00 a.m.
- Register and learn more.
Take in rolling views and the festive, family-friendly atmosphere at the 44th annual Boar’s Head Turkey Trot. Proceeds go to benefit UVA Children’s Health. Registration includes a long-sleeve unisex T-shirt.
Central Virginia Thanksgiving Fun Runs
Don’t want to drive all the way to Charlottesville? All around Central Virginia, families are starting the Thanksgiving holiday by lacing up their running shoes. Here are some of our favorite Thanksgiving Day races in Virginia.
North Garden 5K (North Garden)
- Drive from Charlottesville: 20-30 minutes
- Where: Edge Valley Road
- When: Sunday, November 22, 2026 @ 8:00 a.m.
- Register and learn more.
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.
11th Annual Jarmansgiving (Crozet)
- Drive from Charlottesville: 25 minutes
- Where: Chiles Peach Orchard
- When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 @ 7:00 a.m.
Tackle a Thanksgiving morning tradition at the 11th Annual Jarmansgiving Run. This free, choose-your-distance climb up Jarmans Gap supports the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank through donated nonperishables. It’s a welcoming, all-paces event starting from parking lot at Chile’s Peach Orchard.
Tiger Trot Color Run + 5K (Scottsville)
- Drive from Charlottesville: 30-40 minutes
- Where: Scottsville Public Library
- When: Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 8:00 a.m.
- Register and learn more.
Add a burst of color to Thanksgiving week at the Tiger Trot Color Run and 5K. Choose between the family-friendly 1-mile kids’ run (starting at 8:00 am) or the 5K run/walk (starting at 8:30 am). 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
- When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 @ 8:15 am
- Register and learn more.
The Waynesboro YMCA Turkey Trot is a small-town favorite. The race has divisions for all ages and level. The 1-mile Gobbler Run for kids ages 10 and under starts at 8:15, while the 5K run/walk starts at 9:00 for tweens, teens, and adults. Funds support local YMCA programs that strengthen the community.
The Club of Staunton Turkey Trot Run (Staunton)
- Drive from Charlottesville: 40-45 minutes
- Where: Club at Ironwood
- When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 @ 8:00 a.m.
- Register and learn more.
Run the scenic Club of Staunton golf course in the Valley Children’s Advocacy Center’s 15th Annual The Club of Staunton Turkey Trot. Choose between a 1-miler and 5K run/walk. At the end, participants can celebrate with a Pumpkin Pie Bite, t-shirt if registered by November 6, and medals for kids under 17. Proceeds support vital services for local children and families.
Waddle Gobble 5K (Madison)
- Drive from Charlottesville: 45 minutes
- Where: Hebron Lutheran Church
- When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 @ 8:00 a.m.
- Register and learn more.
Enjoy the scenic Waddle Gobble 5K along Hebron Church Road and the Robinson River with breathtaking Blue Ridge views. At the end of the race, participants will get a free t-shirt and post-race treats from Cake Krums Cafe. Age-group winners take home prizes. Proceeds support Hoover Ridge Park Outdoor Recreation Center.
Shenandoah Valley Track Club (Pre)Thanksgiving Walk/Run (Bridgewater)
- Drive from Charlottesville: 60 minutes
- Where: Arey Assembly Hall
- When: Sunday, November 22, 2026 @ 2:00 p.m.
- Register and learn more.
Join the Shenandoah Valley Track Club on this flat, fast course. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome, and participants can choose between the Kids’ 1-Miler and the 5K Run/Walk. At the end you’ll find awards for top finishers and fun treats for participants.
Charlottesville Holiday Fun Runs After Thanksgiving
Looking for more family-friendly races and walks in the weeks after Thanksgiving? From scenic vineyard routes to downtown holiday dashes, keep the holiday spirit going with these festive, seasonal fun runs around Central Virginia.
Bold Blitzen 5K (Nellysford)
- Drive from Charlottesville: 45 minutes
- Where: Bold Rock Cidery
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
- Register and learn more.
The Bold Blitzen 5K is family-friendly and perfect for all skill levels. Meander through scenic vineyard views, then celebrate with festive drinks and holiday treats. Don’t forget to wear your holiday gear! Proceeds benefit local charities.
Santa Fun Run (Charlottesville)
- Drive from Charlottesville: Downtown
- Where: Ting Pavillion
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m.
- Register and learn more.
Get in the holiday spirit with Charlottesville’s 13th Annual Santa Fun Run. This festive downtown run is the kind where everyone wears their Santa hats, elf ears, and more! Registration supports individuals with developmental disabilities through The Arc of the Piedmont.
Jingle All the Way 5K (Stanardsville)
- Drive from Charlottesville: 30-40 minutes
- Where: Greene Commons
- When: Saturday, December 5, 2026 @ 3:30 p.m.
- Register and learn more.
Choose between the Jingle All the Way 5K and 1-mile registration for this scenic run with Blue Ridge Mountain views! Come dressed in Santa suits, reindeer antlers, or any festive attire you choose, then stay for the local Holiday Parade of Lights. Proceeds benefit the Stanardsville July 4th Celebration.
Charlottesville Track Club 2027 New Year’s Day 5K (Free Union)
- Drive from Charlottesville: 20-30 minutes
- Where: 5404 Wesley Chapel Rd.
- When: Friday, January 1, 2027 @ 10:00 a.m.
- Register and learn more.
Start 2026 on the right foot at the New Year’s Day 5K with the Charlottesville Track Club. Early registrants by December 10th receive a Tubular Sparklers scarf, and every participant receives a free drip coffee or hot cocoa. Proceeds benefit Shoes for Kids, providing running shoes to local youth athletes, as well as Charlottesville Free Clinic.
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: Charlottesville Turkey Trots and Holiday Fun Runs
Q: What time do most Charlottesville Turkey Trots start?
Most morning races begin between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., but the start time depends on the race. Always check race details before you show up!
Q: Are Central Virginia Turkey Trots family-friendly?
Yes. Nearly all races welcome walkers, strollers, multigenerational families, and beginners. Some races may ask that families with strollers stay toward the back when the race begins to allow faster runners to move ahead.
Q: Are there Turkey Trots near Charlottesville earlier than Thanksgiving Day?
Yes, North Garden, Scottsville, and other nearby communities host races the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Q: What should families wear to Thanksgiving Day races?
For a fall or winter fun run, always dress in layers and breathable fabrics. Choose comfortable running or walking shoes. If it’s windy, you may want gloves or a beanie. Thanksgiving and Christmas-themed fun runs often welcome and encourage holiday-themed attire as well!
Find seasonal fun all around Charlottesville and Central Virginia with our local calendar of events. And you are hosting visitors for Thanksgiving, don’t miss our tried-and-true favorites for entertaining guests from out of town!
Keep up with the latest family news and activities when you sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily newsletter. And be sure to meet the valued partners who serve local families and make so many seasonal events possible!
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.
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