Thanksgiving morning, the sun rising over the Pacific, and thousands of people lacing up their sneakers instead of loosening their belts. Welcome to the world of Turkey Trots, where Del Mar and neighboring communities have turned the holiday into a celebration of movement, community, and gratitude. Before you dig into that second helping of stuffing, let’s explore how this running tradition became the perfect appetizer to your holiday feast.
How It All Started
The Turkey Trot tradition dates back to 1896 in Buffalo, New York, when the local YMCA decided Thanksgiving needed more than just food. Six brave souls showed up for that first 8K race, and only four made it to the finish line. One runner quit after two miles, while another had to stop because his breakfast refused to cooperate with his athletic ambitions. Despite this rocky start, that Buffalo race still runs today, making it the oldest continuous footrace in North America. The tradition spread across the country like gravy on mashed potatoes, eventually landing on California’s beautiful coastline.
Families Running Through Generations
In the Del Mar area, Turkey Trots have become more than just races. They’re family reunions in running shoes. The Encinitas Turkey Trot and O’side Turkey Trot draw thousands of local families and tourists who return year after year, creating memories along the stunning coastal route from Coast Highway 101. Parents who ran these races as college students now bring their own kids, passing down the tradition like a favorite recipe. The events offer something for everyone, from competitive 5K and 10K races to kids’ runs that let little ones experience the excitement without the distance.
Making a Difference With Every Step
These races do more than burn calories. The charity impact reaches deep into the community, supporting causes that matter. The Encinitas Turkey Trot partners with the Veterans Association of North Country, raising funds to reduce PTSD and veteran suicide while providing Christmas dinners and gifts for active duty families from Camp Pendleton. The O’side Turkey Trot has raised over $500,000 for local nonprofits, including the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and numerous schools. When you register for a Turkey Trot, you’re not just signing up for a race. You’re helping feed families, support veterans, and strengthen the community.
Stories Worth Sharing
The real magic happens when people get creative. The costume contests have become legendary, with prizes up to $250 for the best Thanksgiving-themed outfits. You’ll see everything from full turkey suits to pilgrim hats, families coordinating group costumes, and creative interpretations of holiday traditions. The O’side Turkey Trot introduced the Double Dip challenge, where ambitious participants can run multiple races in one morning and take home three medals. Runners brave the course rain or shine, with some years bringing perfect California weather and others testing participants with unexpected conditions. The Dana Point Turkey Trot continues its tradition into its 48th year, proving this holiday staple shows no signs of slowing down.
Whether you’re chasing a personal record or just chasing your kids around the finish line, Del Mar’s Turkey Trot tradition offers the perfect start to Thanksgiving. The combination of ocean views, community spirit, and charitable giving creates something special that brings people back every November. So next Thanksgiving, consider joining the thousands who move their feet before they eat. Your stomach will thank you, and so will the community.
Sources: encinitasturkeytrot.org, sandiegorunningco.com, turkeytrot.com
Header Image Source: sandiegorunningco.com
