Thanksgiving morning, 1896. Six brave souls line up in Buffalo, New York for a race organized by the local YMCA. Four actually finish. One runner quits when his breakfast makes an unexpected reappearance. That humble beginning sparked what would become America’s oldest continuously running footrace and a holiday tradition that now draws thousands of runners, walkers, and turkey costume enthusiasts to streets across the nation, including right here in Ventura County.
How Turkey Trots Became a Holiday Staple
The original Buffalo Turkey Trot started with dirt roads and serious determination. By the mid-1900s, the race had moved to pavement. Female runners weren’t even allowed until 1972, when Mary Ann Boles became the first woman to compete among 169 total racers. Today, that same Buffalo race caps participation at 14,000 runners and has inspired countless communities to create their own versions.
The name itself caught on like wildfire. Communities across America started hosting Gobble Wobbles, Drumstick Dashes, and yes, Turkey Trots. What began as six guys running through dirt has transformed into the biggest race day of the year for recreational runners. Here in Ventura County, that tradition took root with events like the Ventura Turkey Trot, which brings families together at the Ventura Auto Center every Thanksgiving morning.
Families Making It a Yearly Ritual
Turkey Trots aren’t just races. They’re where generations meet on common ground, literally. Parents push strollers while grandparents power walk. Teenagers reluctantly join before realizing it’s actually fun. The Turkey Day Dash in Thousand Oaks has seen over 2,000 runners return year after year to race around California Lutheran University.
Many families treat the morning trot as seriously as the afternoon feast. Some wake up early, blast motivational music, and make running bibs with ages instead of numbers. Others show up in matching turkey hats and take their time walking the course while catching up with neighbors. The Ventura Turkey Trot offers a Kids 1K at 9:15am right after the 5K, making it easy for the whole family to participate together without anyone feeling left behind.
Running for a Reason
These races do more than burn off pumpkin pie calories. Turkey Trots across Ventura County channel their proceeds into local nonprofits, food banks, and community programs. The Turkey Day Dash splits 100 percent of its proceeds among the Ventura County Council of Boy Scouts, Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks Foundation, and Southeast Ventura County YMCA.
Nationwide, Turkey Trots have raised millions for hunger relief and veteran support. Some races collect canned goods at the start line. Others donate tens of thousands annually to housing initiatives and food pantries. When you register for a Turkey Trot in Ventura County, your entry fee becomes part of something bigger than a race bib. It feeds families, supports youth programs, and strengthens community bonds.
Costumes, Records, and Quirky Moments
Costumes became common at Turkey Trots during the 1980s, and things have only gotten weirder since. Expect to see full turkey suits, pilgrim hats, cranberry sauce cans with legs, and creative interpretations of Thanksgiving dinner running past you. Some participants go all out with themed outfits that would make a Broadway costume designer jealous.
The Ventura Turkey Trot features a fast and flat course perfect for setting personal records before sitting down to eat. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just chasing your kids around the course, Ventura County’s Turkey Trots offer something for everyone. The tradition continues to grow, one grateful step at a time.
Sources: visitbuffalo.com, five07turkeydaydash.org, ymcabn.org
Header Image Source: ymcabn.org
