Every Thanksgiving morning in East Sacramento, thousands of runners lace up their sneakers before the turkey goes in the oven. This tradition of racing before feasting has become one of California’s capital city’s most beloved holiday rituals, bringing together families, serious athletes, and turkey costume enthusiasts for a cause that feeds the community.
How Turkey Trots Became a Holiday Staple
The very first Turkey Trot took place way back in 1896 in Buffalo, New York, when just six brave runners hit the streets. This small gathering kicked off what would become one of America’s oldest running traditions, predating even the Boston Marathon. The quirky name comes from the obvious connection between racing on Thanksgiving and the bird everyone’s about to devour for dinner.
Sacramento joined this nationwide movement in 1994 with the creation of Run to Feed the Hungry. What started as a local fundraiser has grown into one of the largest Turkey Trots in the entire country, attracting over 31,000 participants each year. The event offers both 5K and 10K options, giving runners the choice to go hard or keep it casual before the big meal.
Families Racing Year After Year
For countless East Sacramento families, Turkey Trot morning is as traditional as pumpkin pie. Parents who started running the race in their twenties now bring their own kids, creating multigenerational memories on the same downtown streets. The beauty of this race is its inclusivity. Whether you’re chasing a personal record or power walking with grandma, everyone crosses the same finish line.
Many local families treat race day like a reunion, meeting up with the same groups of friends and neighbors they’ve been running alongside for years. Kids who grew up watching from strollers are now the ones pushing their own little ones through the 5K route. The event has become such a fixture that for many East Sacramento residents, Thanksgiving simply doesn’t feel complete without it.
How These Races Fight Hunger
While burning calories before consuming thousands more is a nice perk, the real heart of Sacramento’s Turkey Trot beats for a serious cause. Run to Feed the Hungry serves as the largest annual fundraiser for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, an organization that provides food assistance to roughly 320,000 individuals every month through 110 partner agencies.
Every registration fee and donation goes directly toward feeding the more than 1 in 4 Sacramento County residents at risk of hunger. In recent years, demand for food assistance has skyrocketed, making community support through events like this more critical than ever. Participants can join teams, raise additional funds, and compete for top fundraiser honors while making a tangible difference in their neighbors’ lives.
Other Turkey Trots across California have similar charitable missions. The Silicon Valley Turkey Trot has donated over $11 million to local charities since its inception, supporting organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank and The Health Trust. The Dana Point Turkey Trot has contributed more than $500,000 to local causes since 1977.
Quirky Traditions and Memorable Moments
Turkey Trots attract characters. Some serious runners show up to set personal bests, while others arrive dressed head to toe as turkeys, pilgrims, or even the entire Thanksgiving dinner spread. Dallas once earned a Guinness World Record in 2011 for the largest gathering of people dressed as turkeys at their race. Professional runner Molly Seidel set another record in 2021 for the fastest time by someone dressed as a turkey at a Wisconsin event.
Sacramento’s race creates its own special moments each year. The streets fill with costumes, team spirit, and friendly competition among schools, businesses, and community groups. Top fundraising teams like the California Department of Justice and local schools compete not just in running but in raising awareness and money for the food bank.
Whether you’re a veteran marathoner or someone who hasn’t jogged since high school PE, East Sacramento’s Turkey Trot welcomes everyone to the starting line. It’s proof that the best traditions combine fun, fitness, family, and giving back to create something truly special.
Sources: danapoint.org, runtofeedthehungry.com, sacramentofoodbank.org, svturkeytrot.com
Header Image Source: runtofeedthehungry.com
