Gobble at the Raceway and Gobble at the Zoo: 2023 HTC Turkey Trot and ORRC Turkey Trot (Portland)

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with friends and family…and go for a run together. What? Isn’t that how all families celebrate this holiday? Well they should. And here are two excellent Oregon Turkey Trots to choose from.

HTC Turkey Trot

Thanks to the folks who put on Hood to Coast, runners and walkers have the chance to be the first to see the lights at the Portland International Raceway. The HTC Turkey Trot is evening event beginning at 6pm on Wednesday, November 22nd (which means you could also hit the zoo on Thursday morning). The 5K course loops through the lights of the Sunshine Division Winter Wonderland.

Along with the beautiful course, 5K participants enjoy swag including a participation shirt. Every participant earns a medal for crossing the finish line. Plus the party continues through food carts with food and beverage (like hot chocolate) available for purchase.

Come for the lights, stay for the sweets.

ORRC Turkey Trot

Oregon Road Runners Club’s Turkey Trot starts with an out and back in the International Rose Garden, and ends at the Elephant Plaza inside the Oregon Zoo. This 4-mile event is perfect for the entire family, especially due to the family rate available when registering. For the little ones not quite up to the main race, there are Diaper Dash and Toddler Trot races inside the zoo.

Every 4-mile participant earns a finisher award and the chance at one of 150 humongous pumpkin pies. Youth participants earn the finisher award AND a Turkey Trot shirt. All the grown-ups can purchase a long-sleeve t-shirt during online registration.

Costumes are encouraged. And the zoo is closed to all except those participating. Wouldn’t you like a photo of you dressed as a turkey standing beside a lion, a tiger, or a bear?