The Run Turkey Run 5K is a running race on November 26, 2026 in Watertown, WI, with entry fees from $25 to $40.
From the Organizer
Since 2012, the Run Turkey Run 5K has brought nearly 1,000 runners, walkers, families, volunteers, and spectators together on Thanksgiving morning. What began as a local race has grown into a cherished Watertown tradition and has raised more than $235,000 for community organizations along the way.
As we prepare for the 2026 Run Turkey Run, we are excited to begin a new chapter in the race's history.
This year, the majority of the funds raised through Run Turkey Run will support the development of new lighted community pickleball courts at a local city/community park.
We believe this project is a natural extension of what Run Turkey Run has always been about: health, activity, connection, and community.
Pickleball is a fun and accessible activity for people of all ages and abilities. New lighted courts would provide a welcoming place for community members to be active, spend time together, and enjoy recreation throughout more of the day and year.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 through this year's event to help make these courts a reality. We are encouraging runners to contribute to the cause by adding a donation to their registration or skipping a sweatshirt and having the extra money go toward the pickleball courts.
What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than by bringing our community together to get moving, have fun, and give back?
Weather
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
39°
Typical Low
24°
Chance of Rain
31%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Watertown Wwtp, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
City Elevation
839 ft
Nearest Airport
MSN
Dane County Regional Truax Field · 32 mi
Major Hub
MKE
General Mitchell International Airport · 46 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Run Turkey Run 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
90
Days to train
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From Endurance Grid
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.
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
Lake Country Half Marathon
16 miles away
Mama K's Cookie Run
16 miles away
Burrito Biathlon
11 miles away
Color the Path for Hope
Less than a mile away
The Run Turkey Run 5K
Nov 26, 2026