Every Thanksgiving morning in Temecula, something magical happens before the turkey hits the table. Families pile out of their homes, lace up their sneakers, and hit the pavement together. This is the Turkey Trot, and it’s way more than just a jog around the block. It’s become the highlight of the holiday, bringing neighbors together for laughs, costumes, and a whole lot of community spirit.
When Six People Started Something Big
The very first Turkey Trot happened back in 1896 in Buffalo, New York. The local YMCA organized an 8K race on Thanksgiving Day, and only six brave souls showed up. Four actually made it to the finish line (one runner’s breakfast had other plans). That modest start turned into something incredible.
Today, the Buffalo Turkey Trot is the oldest continuous footrace in North America, even older than the famous Boston Marathon. What started as a quirky idea spread like wildfire across the country, and now cities everywhere host their own versions of this beloved tradition.
Temecula Joins the Party
Temecula caught the Turkey Trot fever, and the community ran with it. The Made2BFit Turkey Trot & Food Drive celebrated its 13th annual event in 2025, proving this tradition has serious staying power. Every year on Thanksgiving morning, runners and walkers gather at Harveston Drive for a flat, fast 5K that welcomes everyone from speed demons to casual strollers. The race kicks off at 7:00 AM, giving participants plenty of time to work up an appetite before the big feast.
Families Making Memories Year After Year
What makes Turkey Trots special is watching the same families show up season after season. Grandparents who started the tradition decades ago now bring their grandkids, creating a beautiful cycle of memories. Some families have their own quirky rituals, like wearing matching turkey hats or stopping for a group selfie at the same spot every year. The Made2BFit event has become a family reunion of sorts, where you catch up with neighbors you might not see the rest of the year. Kids grow taller, times get faster (or slower), but the joy stays constant.
Running for a Reason
Here’s where Turkey Trots get even better. The Temecula race partners with Circle of Care Food Pantry, a local nonprofit that serves hundreds of families every week. Participants bring three non-perishable food items to donate, turning their morning exercise into an act of kindness.
Circle of Care has been supporting Southwest Riverside County for over 25 years, and the Turkey Trot food drive makes a real difference. It’s the perfect way to practice gratitude while helping neighbors who need it most. The event raises awareness and resources for families facing food insecurity, proving that a simple run can create powerful ripples of generosity.
Costumes, Records, and Pure Fun
Turkey Trots wouldn’t be complete without the characters who show up in full costume. We’re talking giant turkey suits, pilgrim hats, cranberry sauce cans on legs, you name it. The Temecula race hosts a costume contest with prizes for the most creative outfits, and people go all out. Some runners chase personal records while others just chase the fun.
The event added Wobble Line Dancing to get everyone moving before the race, because why not start the day with a dance party? These quirky moments become the stories families tell around the dinner table later that same day.
Why This Tradition Sticks Around
Turkey Trots work because they tap into everything we love about the holidays. Exercise, community, charity, and laughter all rolled into one morning. In Temecula, this tradition has become part of the city’s identity, a way for residents to connect and celebrate together. Whether you’re aiming for a fast time or just want to walk with your kids, there’s room for everyone. By the time you cross that finish line at 9:00 AM, you’ve already made Thanksgiving special, and the day has barely started.
Sources: thewellnews.com, runsignup.com, circleofcareministries.org
Header Image Source: seecalifornia.com
