A Thanksgiving morning 5k/10k Run/Walk event, along with a Kids Fun Run and Virtual 5k and 10k options. This race also supports The Foundation Dinners.

Where: Forest Rose School in Lancaster, Ohio.

When: Thanksgiving morning (November 26, 2026), with the Kids Fun Run starting at 8:15 am and the 5k/10k at 8:30 am.

A portion of proceeds supports The Foundation Dinners, a local nonprofit serving meals and addressing hunger on the west side of Lancaster.

Yes. The 10k distance is new to the Lancaster Turkey Day Races this year.  

Pricing starts at $35 for the 5k and $45 for the 10k, with $5 price increases happening on November 1 and again on November 16. 

The Kids Run with swag starts at $29.99, with a $5 price bump to $34.99 after November 16. 

The Kids Run without swag is free until November 16, after which it costs $5. 

Yes, you can register for a Virtual 5k or 10k race.

Online registration closes shortly after the race begins on Thanksgiving morning.  

Yes — children 10 & under receive reduced pricing, $10 off their registration.

Early packet pick-up is encouraged at Walkers Shoe Center the day before Thanksgiving (time and location shared on the race site).

Absolutely. Just tell our volunteers who you are picking up for so that we can make sure to write their name on the back of the bib and so that they do not get mixed up!

Yes — packet pick-up on Thanksgiving morning begins around 7:15 am at Forest Rose School.

8:15 am for the Kids Fun Run, and 8:30 am for the Turkey Day 5k/10k.

Plenty of race-day parking is available at Forest Rose and Ohio University-Lancaster

Timing ends and the course closes at 10:30am, 2 hours after the start.

The course follows the traditional course going south along the Lancaster bike path, looping past Ohio University-Lancaster and Fulton Field, and finishes with a small uphill up College Ave before a downhill to the finish.

10k runners will complete two loops of this course.

Yes — this is a chip-timed event for accurate results.

Yes, there will be a water station around the halfway point on the course near the south entrance to Fulton Field.

Yes — strollers are permitted-and more power to ya!

Dogs are unfortunately allowed on the course but can be at the start/finish area with water available.

Registered participants choose from a turkey hat, festive hat, tutu, t-shirt, or hooded sweatshirt, plus a custom bib, treats (like pie or cookies), snacks, and refreshments.

Yes — additional items can be purchased during registration.

Register by 1pm on November 16th to be guaranteed T-shirt/hooded sweatshirt in your preferred size. After November 16th shirts may be available in a different color/design than what is shown.

Shirts may still be available in your preferred size after November 16th (if your size is available online) as the shirt order inventory has been entered into the registration system.

Yes — top 3 overall male and female finishers in both the 5k and 10k receive medals and gift cards to Walker Shoe Center.

Medals are awarded for top finishers in standard age groups (9 & under up through 70+).

No formal ceremony — medals are handed out at the finish so participants can get on with their Thanksgiving plans.

Instant results are available via timing system, and age group results are posted after the race.

Yes — late starters are welcome and their chip time will still count.

Yes, but not recommended due to safety and the need to hear instructions.

An excellent alternative is to use bone-conduction earphones so that one may still hear their external surroundings while enjoying their music

The run happens rain, snow, or shine, though dangerous conditions (e.g., lightning) may delay starts.

Yes — volunteer opportunities are available here

Reach out by email (events.usaracetiming@gmail.com) or phone (listed on the race website).