Jog, walk or run a road race Thanksgiving morning before enjoying a meal with your family.
There are several options to run a road race on Thanksgiving – Thursday, Nov. 23 – in the Rochester area.
Webster Turkey Trot
The annual Webster Turkey Trot, which starts and ends in Webster Park, offers two distances – the main 4.4 mile race and a 2.5 mile fun run. The race starts at 10 a.m. near Parkview Lodge in Webster Park. The race, in its 52nd year this Thanksgiving, is the longest standing Thanksgiving Day race in Rochester and last year drew more 3,400 participants.
Roads around the park will start closing around 8:30 a.m. A shuttle bus will transport participants from Willink Middle School, Publishers Parkway in Webster, and Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Road in Webster between 8 and 9:45 a.m.
Entry is $40 per person for either distance.
Race with Grace
The Race with Grace, held in Greece, has traditionally offered a 10K road race and this year has added a 5K race to the Thanksgiving morning mix. Both races will be held at 8:30 a.m. and will start and end at Lakeshore Community Church, 3651 Latta Road, Rochester.
The annual race, which moved to Lakeshore Community Church last year, draws hundreds of runners.
Entry for the 10K is $40 per person through Nov. 22 or $45 per person on Thanksgiving. Entry for the 5K race is $35 per person through Nov. 22 or $40 on race day.
The Feast Thanksgiving Day Run/Walk
The Feast race offers a two-mile route and a five(ish)-mile route, which both start and end at the Blue Cross Arena in downtown Rochester. Both races will begin at 9 a.m. Both routes are along the Genesee River. The longer route – an out-and-back-course – also spans the river and continues on Wilson Boulevard to the University of Rochester’s River campus before sending runners back downtown.
The race is the final race of the Rochester Runner of the Year series for 2023.
Race entry costs $45 on Nov. 22 and Nov. 23. Fees are the same for both distances.
Wedge Waddle
Not interested in an organized road race but still want to run?
The event is free and anyone can join in the three-mile route, which starts and ends at Abundance Cooperative Market, 571 South Ave., Rochester. The event starts at 10 a.m. and includes four stops were participants can sample products including cider and doughnut holes and craft beer. Participants are asked to donate new socks to benefit St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality, a homeless shelter on South Avenue. Pre-registration is required.
