Chester County Turkey Trot logo
Running

Chester County Turkey Trot

Date
November 26, 2026
Distance
Gold Wave 5k Run · Blue Wave 5k Run · 2K Walk & more
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From the Organizer

The Chester County Turkey Trot is celebrating its 25th year and there's still nothing better than spending time with friends and family on Thanksgiving Day! We are excited to bring the community together once again for a fun social event and a great cause! Did you know that this race has helped to raise funds for childhood cancer research since 2012? Get a festive start to YOUR Thanksgiving morning at the Chester County Turkey Trot 5k Run/1mile Walk and help children facing a cancer diagnosis (through sponsorships and donations) through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). The previous race beneficiary, Cure4Cam Childhood Cancer Foundation, has transitioned to The Cure4Cam Hero Fund through ALSF. 

This annual Chester County Turkey Trot, what has become a great holiday tradition for locals and their holiday guests, will be held on Thanksgiving morning at Downingtown West High School! The event is a 5k race (2 Waves* - see note below), 2K walk, and a kids’ fun run. There's no better way to start this festive morning!! Historically, this race has gotten an impressive turnout of about 3,000 registered runners and we anticipate a break crowd of both seasoned trotters and new friends this year. 

*Please note that any runners with a projected finish time of less than 25 minutes are encouraged to register for the Gold Wave! More than 25 minutes - the Blue Wave is for you! 

For course map, click here.

TIME SCHEDULE: 

  • 7:40 AM Gold Wave 5k (Sub 25 Minutes 5k Cut-Off)
  • 8:15 AM​ Blue Wave 5K Race
  • ​8:15 AM​ 2K Walk
  • 9:00 AM ​Kids' Run on the Track Presented by Track Stars Youth Programs
  • 9:15-9:30 AM Awards Ceremonies (Gold Wave/Blue Wave)

Technical running shirts are guaranteed to the first 2,000 registered runners! (No T-shirts for free Kids’ Run)

WALKERS - Please consider the 2k walk instead of the 5k Race as the course will be very crowded. 
** No need to switch your event online, just start with the walkers inside the stadium. **

STROLLERS - due to the high number of participants we are strongly discouraging the use of Strollers and Baby joggers in the BLUE WAVE. 
(No Strollers or Baby Joggers are allowed in the GOLD wave)

DOGS? We love our furry friends! Unfortunately, due to the crowds, no pets are allowed at the event. Thanks for understanding.

In addition to supporting the Downingtown West Cross Country team, proceeds of the race will benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Information on the Cure4Cam Hero Fund through ALSF is available here. The Cure4Cam Hero Fund is in memory of Cameron Evans, a Downingtown West teammate and friend who finished his race with leukemia in May 2012. Cameron was a gifted athlete and a compassionate, positive, and inspiring young man. His perseverance and spirit touched all of us.

AWARDS & RESULTS

Prize Money and Pies will all be available at the Prize Table following the conclusion of each race (located inside the stadium)
 

Prizes include: 

GOLD WAVE * cash prizes only apply to Gold Wave runners

Top 5 Male and Female ($250, $150, $100, $75, $50)
Top Masters Male and Female ($125)
Top 3 Each Age Group: Terrific Thanksgiving Pies!!!
(14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+)
** All Monetary Awards must be verified and signed for at the awards table. 

BLUE WAVE

Top 3 Each Age Group: Terrific Thanksgiving Pies!!!
(8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80

 

Thank you so much to our valued sponsors. To learn more about them, please click on the links below.

Events

Gold Wave 5k Run7:40 AMRegister →
Blue Wave 5k Run8:15 AMRegister →
2K Walk8:15 AMRegister →
Kids’ Fun Run9 AMRegister →
Sponsors Tshirts ONLY9 AMRegister →

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

51°

Typical Low

29°

Chance of Rain

35%

Based on US Climate Normals data from W Chester 2 Nw, 5 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 7:01 AMSunset 4:41 PMDaylight 9h 40m

Host City

About Downingtown, PA

Elevation

284 ft

Nearest Airport

ILG

Wilmington Airport · 24 mi

Major Hub

PHL

Philadelphia International Airport · 27 mi

Time Zone

Eastern Time

From Endurance Grid

Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Chester County Turkey Trot, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

171

Days to train

Race
Chester County Turkey Trot
Date
November 26, 2026

From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.

With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.

Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.

Read the Guide

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Chester County Turkey Trot?
Chester County Turkey Trot is a running race held in Downingtown, Pennsylvania on November 26, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the Chester County Turkey Trot?
Thursday, November 26, 2026 in Downingtown, Pennsylvania at 445 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Chester County Turkey Trot?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

Chester County Turkey Trot

Nov 26, 2026

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