Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 28, 2024, because Downtown Roseville, California, is about to host the most egg-citing (or should we say turkey-citing?) event of the year – the 12th annual Roseville Turkey Trot! This festive run is the perfect way to kick off your Thanksgiving celebrations, and it’s no surprise that it’s made its way into our Thanksgiving Guide 2024.

A Trot Through Town

The Turkey Trot isn’t just any old run – it’s a chance to strut your stuff through the heart of Roseville. Starting and finishing at Vernon Street Town Square, this event will have you gobbling up the sights of Downtown Roseville faster than you can say, “Pass the cranberry sauce.”

Choose Your Challenge

Not sure if you’re ready to run off that entire Thanksgiving dinner? No worries! The Turkey Trot offers two distances to suit every level of turkey trotter:

• 10K: For those who want to really earn their pumpkin pie, the 10K kicks off at 9:00 AM sharp.
• 5K: If you’re more of a “save room for seconds” kind of runner, the 5K begins at 9:05 AM.

Both races have a cutoff time of 11:00 AM, giving you plenty of time to shuffle your way to the finish line.

Early Bird Gets the Worm (Or, in This Case, the Best Deal)

Listen up, bargain hunters! Register early if you want to save some dough for your Thanksgiving feast. Early bird pricing is available until November 13, 2024. After that, prices will jump faster than you can say “butterball.”

Here’s the breakdown:

• 10K: $50.00 (plus a $5.49 processing fee)
• 5K: $45.00 (plus a $5.14 processing fee)
• 10K/5K for 14 & Under: $40.00 (plus a $4.79 processing fee)

Dress to Impress

Every adult participant gets a snazzy long-sleeve performance blend race shirt. The kiddos aren’t left out either – they’ll receive 100% cotton shirts. But here’s the catch: you need to register by November 1, 2024, to guarantee your shirt and size. After that, it’s first-come, first-served, and nobody wants to be the turkey without a shirt!

More Than Just a Run

The Turkey Trot isn’t just about burning calories before the big feast. It’s a community event that brings together fitness enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a good time. Here’s what you can expect:

• Chip timing for all you competitive types
• Live results and finisher photos (perfect for that #TurkeyTrot Instagram post)
• Refreshments after the race (but save room for dinner!)
• A finish festival with local vendors and activities

Bring the Whole Flock

Got little ones? No problem! Jogging strollers are welcome as long as you start at the back and stick to the right side of the course. Even Fido can join in on the 5K, provided he’s on a leash and promises not to chase any actual turkeys.

The Main Course: Race Day Details

Set your alarm clocks, early birds! Here’s what you need to know for race day:

• Arrive by 8:15 AM to snag a parking spot (it’s FREE!) and make it to the starting area
• Listen up at 8:30 AM for important announcements and course instructions
• 10K runners take off at 9:00 AM
• 5K runners follow at 9:05 AM

Don’t Be a Turkey – Plan Ahead!

Remember, there’s NO race day registration. If you’re a last-minute Larry, you can still register at packet pickup but might miss out on the goodies. Speaking of packet pickup, here’s when and where to grab your race essentials:

Mahany Fitness Center
1545 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville, CA 95747

• Tuesday, November 26th: 11 AM – 3 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
• Wednesday, November 27th: 9 AM – 11 AM

Can’t make it? Send your favorite elf to pick up your packet for you.

Location, Location, Location

In case you’re wondering, “Where in the world is Roseville?” – it’s the largest city in Placer County, California, and home to about 150,000 lucky folks. The Turkey Trot takes place right in the heart of Downtown Roseville, making it easy to find and enjoy.

So there you have it, folks! The Roseville Turkey Trot is the perfect way to start your Thanksgiving Day. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking to burn off some pre-feast energy, this event has something for everyone. Don’t be a chicken – sign up today and prepare for a gobblin’ good time!

Sources: roseville.ca.us, raceroster.com
Header Image Source: Photo by Miguel A Amutio on Unsplash