Encinitas Turkey Trot
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Encinitas Turkey Trot : overview
The Encinitas Turkey Trot takes place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at South Coast Highway 101 and West D Street in Encinitas, California. The course starts and finishes under the large "ENCINITAS" sign on Coast Highway 101 and runs along the Pacific coast. The event offers the following race options:
- 10k
- 5k
- Kids-K (9 and under; free)
- Youth 5k/10k (ages 10–17)
Entries include a runner T-shirt and finisher bling. The event lists more than 6,000 participants in recent years.
Event details
A costume contest runs with separate Individual and Group divisions and cash prizes of $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd, and $100 for 3rd. Costume awards are based on display of Thanksgiving spirit; race finish times do not affect contest results and winners must be present to receive prizes.
Proceeds benefit VANC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports veterans and their families. Water stations are provided along the course and at the start and finish. Strollers are allowed; pets and wheeled devices such as bikes, rollerblades, and skateboards are not. Packet pick-up is available at Road Runner Sports in Carlsbad, and the organizer recommends early pick-up. Parking options include Moonlight Beach lot, street parking on 2nd and 3rd Street, Encinitas City Hall lot, and the Encinitas City Library. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.