The event includes a 5k, 10k, and 1/3 marathon run/walk, along with a Kids Fun Run. Virtual options are also available for 5k, 10k, and 1/3 marathon

 Saturday, November 28, 2026 — the Saturday after Thanksgiving and before The Game between Ohio State and *ichigan

The start and finish are behind COSI at Genoa Park along the Scioto Greenway trail in downtown Columbus, OH

• Kids Fun Run: 8:30 AM
  
  
• 5k, 10k & 1/3 Marathon: 8:45 AM

Yes — the event uses chip timing and instant online results can be found at usaracetiming.com

 Registration pricing is tiered by distance and date of registration. The pricing schedule can be found at https://www.usaracetiming.com/columbusturkeytrot/

Register by 1:00 PM on November 16 to be guaranteed your preferred long-sleeve shirt/hoodie size. After that, the size you want may still be available but color/design might vary, and quantities will be limited.

Yes — race-day registration is available at packet pickup

Yes — referring 5 people earns a $25 refund; referring 8 earns a full refund of your base fee (as long as registrants use your referral code)

Virtual 5k, 10k, and 1/3 marathon are offered; virtual racers receive mailed swag and have until December 31 to submit their times

Yes — early packet pickup is Friday, November 27 from 3:30-6:00PM at:

• Road Runner Sports — 535 Lakeview Plaza Blvd, Worthington, OH 43085 

Race-day pickup begins at 7:45 AM behind COSI at Genoa Park

Participants choose one giveaway item: turkey hat, elf or Santa hat, tutu (multiple colors), long-sleeve shirt (multiple designs), or hooded sweatshirt, plus a custom race bib, finisher medal (multiple medal options), and race bag goodies. A personal sweet treat (pie, donut, or cookie), and other snacks and refreshments are available after the race, 

Yes — if you choose a hat or tutu, you select your style/color during packet pickup. Shirt and sweatshirt designs vary year to year, and are first come, first served

 Yes — additional giveaway items can be purchased during online registration, and also through the store

All distances start and finish at the same line behind COSI at Genoa Park, at the base of the stairs along the Scioto Greenway.

Races are held on the paved Scioto Greenway bike path and adjacent paved trails. All race surfaces are paved with the exception of local construction zones, which are gravel for a very brief stretch.

 Yes — there is a 2.5-hour cutoff (11:15 AM) for all races to allow runners/volunteers/staff to get home and watch the Ohio State vs. *ichigan game. Don't worry though, that equates to a 17:01 pace for the 1/3 Marathon.

 Yes — the shared water station before the Souder Ave bridge serves all races, with additional stations near the turnaround points for the 10k and 1/3 marathon. The 10k and 1/3 marathon aid stations will have Gatorade available.

Course maps for the 5k, 10k, and 1/3 marathon are linked on the event registration page underneath the "Runner Information" drop-down menu.

Arrive early to park, pick up your packet, warm up, and perhaps most importantly, make that pre-race bathroom stop! — Race Day packet pickup starts at 7:45 AM.

 Yes — parking is available in the NW Parking Lot and COSI parking lots and garage near the start.

Yes — portable restrooms are available near the race start/finish area

The Kids Fun Run is typically a short (100m to 200m) dash ending at the main start/finish line; ages 8 and under are common participants

Yes — All Kids Fun Runners will receive their choice of a sweet treat. They can also choose swag options if so chosen upon registeration. 

Yes — strollers are allowed.

Yes — dogs are allowed to run on leash; dog water bowls are provided near the finish.

Yes, but they are strongly not recommended — you must be able to hear course marshals and hazards. Using Shokz or another bone-conduction branded headphone is a wonderful and safe alternative.

Notify the nearest course marshal or dial 911 for emergencies, then inform a marshal.

The race goes rain, snow, or shine; severe weather like lightning or ice may delay or modify the start. Otherwise, we runners are quite weather resistant!

Yes — your chip time will still count if you start after the first wave. The course cut-off still applies. If you are going to miss the course cutoff, your race may go unsupported and you may need to change to the virtual option.

Everyone who finishes the 5k, 10k, and 1/3 marathon receives a finisher’s medal. There is no award for the overall winner in each race or age group.

Age group results are posted online, but there is no formal in-person awards ceremony

Age groups include all runners age 9 & under, then 10–14, 15–19, then 5-year increments all the way up to 90+

Virtual racers receive their turkey hat or swag, bib, and medal by mail if registered by the mailing deadline of November 16.

Packets ship out very close to November 17, and should arrive by Thanksgiving if registered by November 16; Later registrations ship as time allows. All participants will receive tracking information when their packet ships.

Virtual participants may submit times online through December 31, 2026