One of the great Thanksgiving traditions in many Long Island communities is the Turkey Trot, a race commonly held on Thanksgiving morning that suports local not for profits.  This year, there are many turkey trots in Nassau and Suffolk Counties that will donate proceeds to charitable organizations while also helping you to get fit and burn calories before your big Thanksgiving feast.  Several of the races also have a fun run or shorter walk component so that everyone can join in on race day, including families and children.  Most importantly, make sure you register in advance for your turkey trot, as the registration price increases as you near the race date.  Fortunately, each race allows for registration on the day of the trot, so even late registrants can get in on the fresh air and fun on Thanksgiving morning! Here are some of the great turkey trots happening this year:

Nassau County

Massapequa Park 5k Turkey Trot at Brady Park
Lake Shore Drive and Front Street, Massapequa Park, NY 11726
516-313-8329
Saturday, November 21st, 9:00 AM
$25 per person if registered by November 17th, $30 race day, $15 per youth
The course will start at Lake Shore Drive and end at Brady Park with a post-race awards ceremony and raffle.  Registration and check-in starts at 7 AM at the second floor of the Senior Center.  The Youth Fun Run will start at 8:30 AM, and the 5K for adults will begin at 9:00 AM.

Long Beach 10K Turkey Trot
Riverside Boulevard, Long Beach, NY 11561
516-431-3890
Sunday, November 22nd, 8:30 AM
$25 in advance, $30 race day, $5 kids run
The 1 Mile Kids Run kicks off at 8:00 AM, followed by the 10K at 8:30 AM on the boardwalk.

Garden City Turkey Trot at St. Paul’s School
285 Stewart Street, Garden City, NY 11530
516-515-1598
Thursday, November 26th, 8:30 AM
$25 per person in advance, $35 after November 25th and on race day, $15 per person for the fun run, $20 after November 25th and on race day
The challenger division will run at 8:30 AM, and fun runners will run at 9:00 AM.  All race proceeds will go towards the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and The INN.  Run rain or shine!

Oyster Bay 5k Turkey Trot at Oyster Bay High School
150 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
516-624-6500
Thursday, November 26th, 9:00 AM
$20 if registered by November 1st, $25 if registered by November 23rd, $35 day of race
Registrants get a free t-shirt, and there will be a turkey costume contest!

Suffolk County

Run for Fun Turkey Trot Around Fort Pond
Fort Pond, East Hampton, NY 11937
631-324-2417
Thursday, November 26th
Call for Details
This run around Fort Pond is open to all - call ahead for more information.

Blue Point Smiles Turkey Trot at Corey Beach Park
Corey Avenue, Blue Point, NY 11715
631-289-3990
Thursday, November 26th, 8:45 AM
Kids Fun Run: $10 in advance, $15 after November 1st
5K Run and Walk: $20 in advance, $25 after November 1st
The race will start and finish at Corey Beach Park - the Kids Fun Run will take off at 8:45 AM, and the 5K/1.5 Noncompetitive Walk will start at 9:00 AM.  The race will benefit Smiles Change Lives, which provides orthodontic care for children in need nationwide.  Registration will not be available on the day of the race.

Nissequogue River State Park Foundation 1k Turkey Trot and 5k Run for the Park
799 St. Johnland Road, Kings Park, NY 11754
516-473-4000
Thursday, November 26th, 8:00 AM
$10 for Kids 1K, $20 for 5K if registered by November 21st, $25 for 5K on race day
Meet at the Nissequogue River State Park Administration Building to kick off the Kids 1K at 8:30 AM and the 5K at 9:00 AM.  Check-in is at 7:00-8:30 AM.  There will be cash prizes for runners that come in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as for the runner with the best Thanksgiving costume!

Townwide Fund of Huntington Thanksgiving Day Run at the American Legion Hall Halesite
Route 110, Halesite, NY 11743
631-271-3349
Thursday, November 26th, 9:00 AM
$20 before November 9th, $25 after November 9th, $40 day of race
This scenic 4-mile harbor-area run will begin at 9:00 AM, and fun runners will start at 8:30 AM.  All proceeds will benefit health and human service programs provided by local agencies.

Shoreham-Wading River Thanksgiving Day Foot Races at Miller Avenue School
Miller Avenue, Shoreham, NY 11786
631-821-8116
Thursday, November 26th, 9:00 AM
$15 per runner, $20 race day
The 5k begins at 8:00 AM, along with the 1-mile race for ages 13 and older.  At 8:15, there will be a 1-mile race for kids ages 12 and younger.  The 5-mile race will start last at 8:50 AM. Proceeds go to Shoreham-Wading River Community Program High School Scholarship Fund.