Stratford Turkey Day Trot
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Stratford Turkey Day Trot
The Stratford Turkey Day Trot is a community running event held on 11/26/2026 in downtown Stratford, CT, with the start and finish on Main Street in front of the theatre. The main event is a flat 5K course that goes through the town center, turns onto East Broadway and Elm Street, passes a water table, loops around the park near the historic Shakespeare Theater site, and returns to Main Street. Timing uses chip mats on both sides of the road to provide net times.
Distances:
- 5K
- 200 yards kids run for ages 9 and under
Registration opens on 6/14 and follows tiered fees that rise toward race day; the organizer limits the field to 1000 participants and online entry is used when space remains. Long sleeve shirts are offered, with size guarantees for participants who pre-register by Nov 8; shirts are ordered Nov 9 and sizing after that date is as available. Early pickup of shirts and bibs is available at a nearby location before race day and on race morning; the first 500 early pickups receive Thanksgiving themed socks. Awards include separate champion awards (removed from age groups) and three-deep age group awards for male and female competitors across the listed age ranges. Awards are distributed after finishing and are not mailed.
A free kids run of about 200 yards is available for ages 9 and under; an accompanying adult may run with a child. Proceeds have averaged over $10,000 annually in recent years and are donated to local charities including a dyslexia center, town community services, and high school post prom programs. The event is held rain or shine; in severe weather the event may be postponed or canceled and refunds are not provided if the event is affected by weather or official directives. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
