Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot 2026

The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving morning run in Dallas featuring a 5K run/walk, an 8-mile race, and a 1K Junior Trot for children. It has been a part of the city’s holiday tradition for over 55 years, serving as the largest Thanksgiving Day running event in Dallas. The 5K is suitable for beginners, walkers, families with strollers, grandparents, and anyone seeking a relaxed start to the holiday, while the 8-mile race offers a more challenging distance for experienced runners before the day's festivities commence. The race began at White Rock Lake with 107 participants and has since become a North Texas Thanksgiving tradition for thousands of families from Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding areas. The event includes live music, food, family activities, and numerous holiday costumes, creating a community gathering atmosphere rather than a competitive-only setting. All proceeds benefit the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas and its programs, with Texas Health serving as the presenting sponsor and offering a free Train to Trot program for participants.