The Jersey Shore is home to many exciting races all year long. But Turkey Trots are always a favorite to kick off the holiday season.
Several excellent Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving-themed races are happening this holiday season. Whether you want to run along the beach boardwalk, tackle a classic 5-mile course, or trot on Thanksgiving morning before your feast, Monmouth County offers several distinct options.
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Pre-Thanksgiving Races
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- Thanks4Giving Turkey Dash 5K & Splash (Asbury Park)
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- Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Schedule: Check-in begins at 9:30 AM; 5K race starts at 11:30 AM.
- The Vibe: Run on a timed road course entirely along the boardwalk through Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, and Bradley Beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also join the “Turkey Splash” ocean plunge at 1:00 PM. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics New Jersey.
- Location: Starts and ends outside the Asbury Park Convention Hall.
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- Howell Turkey Trot (Howell)
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- Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026
- The Vibe: A local 5K road race perfect for checking your pacing before the holiday week begins.
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- 43rd Annual Manasquan Turkey Trot (Manasquan)
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- Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Schedule: 1-Mile Fun Run at 10:00 AM; flagship 5-Mile Race at 11:00 AM.
- The Vibe: One of the most popular local traditions on the shore, though strollers are banned on the 5-mile course.
- Location: Starts on 1st Avenue by the Manasquan Little League Baseball Field.
- Important Status Note: Official online registration is CLOSED because capacity has been reached. However, official online bib transfers are allowed on RunSignup until November 15th ($10 fee), or in person on race day morning until 10:45 AM if you can find a runner willing to transfer their spot to you.
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- Thanks4Giving Turkey Dash 5K & Splash (Asbury Park)
Thanksgiving Day Races
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- 11th Annual Run Your Giblets Off Turkey Trot (Holmdel)
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- Date: Thanksgiving Morning — Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Schedule: Sub-27-minute runner wave at 9:00 AM; 27+ minute runner wave at 9:30 AM; Walker wave at 9:45 AM; Kids Run (1000m) at 10:45 AM.
- The Vibe: A massive, festive event featuring custom finisher medals and long-sleeve shirts (register by November 11 to guarantee your size). Proceeds benefit the FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties.
- Location: Hosted at Bell Works (101 Crawfords Corner Rd). Note that there is no race-day packet pickup—you must collect your bib at Road Runner Sports in Shrewsbury on Nov 22 or at Bell Works on Nov 25.
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- 2nd Annual Bradley Beach Turkey Trot (Bradley Beach)
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- Date: Thanksgiving Morning — Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Schedule: Opening ceremony at 8:15 AM; race kicks off at 8:30 AM.
- The Vibe: A casual, family-centric 2-mile fun run/walk. It is completely untimed, with no bibs, making it a pressure-free environment where holiday costumes are highly encouraged. Net proceeds support the Mercy Center in Asbury Park.
- Location: Oceanfront boardwalk in Bradley Beach.
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- 11th Annual Run Your Giblets Off Turkey Trot (Holmdel)