These Are the Best Turkey Trots in San Diego County in 2026
Lacing up your running shoes before sitting down for a Thanksgiving feast has quickly become one of San Diego’s favorite holiday traditions.
Whether you are looking for a breezy coastal run with ocean views, a neighborhood stroll with the family, or a scenic park trail, San Diego County offers a variety of Turkey Trots to start Thanksgiving Day on an active note.
1. O’side Turkey Trot
- Location: 330 N Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA
- Start Time: 7:00 AM (Early Wave 5K) | 8:00 AM (Main Wave 5K) | 10:00 AM (Kids Run)
- Distance: 5K, Kids 1-Mile / 1/5-Mile
Recognized as one of the top Thanksgiving runs in the nation, the O’side Turkey Trot features flat coastal stretches, ocean breezes, and views along Coast Highway before finishing near the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater.
Highlights:
- Features a costume contest, live music, and free race photos.
- Includes a “Double Dip” option to run both 5K waves for a extra finisher medal.
- Supports local charities, including the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
2. 25th Annual Run for Hope Thanksgiving Day 5K (Father Joe’s Villages)
- Location: Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
- Start Time: 7:30 AM
- Distance: 5K
Celebrating its 25th milestone year, San Diego’s original Thanksgiving Day run takes place in iconic Balboa Park. Thousands of runners, walkers, and strollers come together to take in the historical sights before the holiday afternoon begins.
Highlights:
- Directly impacts the community—proceeds help serve nearly one million meals to San Diegans experiencing homelessness.
- Dog and stroller-friendly, making it a favorite for big families.
- Features post-race music, festive photo ops, and refreshments.
3. Encinitas Turkey Trot
- Location: Pacific Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA
- Start Time: 7:30 AM (10K) | 8:00 AM (5K)
- Distance: 5K & 10K
Running under the iconic Encinitas sign on Highway 101, the Encinitas Turkey Trot offers beautiful early morning views of the Pacific coastline.
Highlights:
- Scenic course following the iconic coastal corridor.
- Popular costume contest with cash prizes for individual and team entries.
- Benefits local North County charities and military families.
4. Coronado Turkey Trot 5K
- Location: Tidelands Park, Coronado, CA
- Start Time: 8:00 AM
- Distance: 5K, Free “Tiny Trotters” run for ages 5 & under
Hosted by Rady Children’s Hospital, the Coronado Turkey Trot winds along the Bayshore Bikeway with panoramas of the San Diego skyline and the Coronado Bridge.
Highlights:
- Proceeds directly benefit the Division of Endocrinology/Diabetes at Rady Children’s Hospital.
- Offers a free Tiny Trotters event for young kids.
- Tends to sell out quickly due to course capacity limits at Tidelands Park.
5. Rancho San Pasqual Turkey Trot
- Location: 3192 Hidden Oaks Ln, Escondido, CA
- Start Time: 8:00 AM
- Distance: 5K & 1-Mile Kids’ Gobbler Run
For a lower-stress alternative to the massive downtown and coastal events, Escondido’s community trot offers a free entry option for local families looking to get outdoors.
Highlights:
- Free event (pre-registration required for finisher medals).
- Scenic route through San Pasqual Valley.
- Dedicated 1-mile kids’ run.
Media credit: Banner image licensed from Adobe
Mike Peterson is a writer, editor, and strategist based in San Diego. When he’s not writing and editing the La Jolla news, you can often find him practicing yoga, rock climbing, or exploring the outdoors with his wife and dog.
