Events
5k Run/Walk
1 Mile Walk (Not Timed)
BAKERSFIELD TURKEY DAY RUN
9 Years of Thanksgiving Morning Tradition!
Start your Thanksgiving with movement, community, and a little Turkey Day fun!
Join us for the 9th Annual Bakersfield Turkey Day Run at The Park at River Walk. Whether you're taking on the timed 5K, enjoying a relaxed 1-Mile Run/Walk, or making memories with your family, there's a place for you at the starting line.
Before the football games, family gatherings, and Thanksgiving feast, come celebrate with the Bakersfield running community!
Choose Your Distance:
- Timed 5K Run/Walk
- Non-Timed 1-Mile Run/Walk
Youth Discount: Special discounted pricing for ages 9 and under is automatically applied during registration.
Location: The Park at River Walk, Bakersfield, CA
Parking: Free event parking!
RACE DAY EXPERIENCE
Make your Thanksgiving morning a memorable one! Participants can look forward to:
- Long-sleeve Thanksgiving-themed event shirt
- Turkey Day Run finisher medallion
- Donuts for every finisher
- Music and festive race-day atmosphere
- 5K chip timing
- 5K age-group awards
- Overall male and female prize purse
- Costume Contest
- Gobble & Strut Contest
- Largest Group Spirit Award
Gather your family, rally your friends, and show up in your best Thanksgiving spirit!
RUN WITH PURPOSE. GIVE BACK.
Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) Food Bank
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, generosity, and looking out for one another. We're proud to support the CAPK Food Bank, helping provide nutritious food to children, families, and seniors throughout Kern County.
Participants can make a donation during registration to help support local families and move us closer to a community where everyone has access to nutritious food.
Thank you for helping us give back to the community we run in!
PACKET PICKUP
Location: F45 Seven Oaks
9000 Ming Avenue, Suite K9, Bakersfield, CA
Wednesday, November 25 | 2:00–6:00 PM
Unable to attend Wednesday's packet pickup? You can pick up your packet on race morning at The Park at River Walk beginning at 7:00 AM.
EVENT DAY SCHEDULE
Thanksgiving Day | November 26, 2026
Location: Park at Riverwalk
- 7:00 AM – Race-morning packet pickup begins
- 7:45 AM – Costume Contest, Gobble & Strut Contest, and Largest Group Spirit Award
- 8:00 AM – Races begin in waves
Please arrive early so you have time to pick up your packet and enjoy the pre-race festivities!
Map Location
Contact us today!
Although we love our furry friends, no dogs are permitted on the course or at the event for safety reasons. Thank you for understanding.
Absolutely! Friends and family can pick up your packet for you. Simply send them the QR code from your packet pickup email, and they can pick it up on your behalf at packet pickup the day before or the day of event.
Yes! All registered participants receive a race shirt and finisher medal, unless otherwise stated for a specific registration option. Lace up, show up, and earn yours!
We do not offer refunds after 24 hours from the original purchase. Within the first 24 hours, please contact us as soon as possible and we’ll be happy to help.
After the 24-hour window, you still have options! Depending on the event, you may be able to transfer your registration, move to a shorter distance, switch to the Virtual Run, or defer your registration.
Yes! Free parking is available throughout the Park at Riverwalk, with plenty of options within walking distance of the race. Additional parking is available at the shopping center next door.
The event supports the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) Food Bank. You can make a donation during registration to help provide nutritious food to local children, families, and seniors.
Absolutely! Bring your family, friends, and running crew. The Largest Group Spirit Award will recognize the largest registered group.
Yes! Park restrooms and portable restrooms will be available near the start/finish line area for participants to use before and after the race.
