O'side Turkey Trot

The O'side Turkey Trot takes place on Thanksgiving morning in Oceanside, California, offering 5K run and walk options alongside children's races. The 5K begins on North Coast Highway and concludes at The Strand and Seagaze, adjacent to the oceanfront amphitheater. As Southern California's largest Turkey Trot, it attracts participants from 46 states and over 500 cities. The schedule is designed for families and returning participants, featuring an early 5K wave, a main 5K wave, a 5K walk, a kids' mile, and a shorter kids' dash. The 5K course is largely flat and net downhill, providing a fast route with the final mile along the boardwalk. GPS watches may register slightly less than the official distance, with many runners recording approximately 3.07 to 3.09 miles, making it a quick race but not always ideal for personal records based on recorded data. The event includes a costume contest, a large teams competition, live entertainment, participant shirts, finisher medals, complimentary photos, and live results. It also supports the Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank, North County schools, and local nonprofits, having raised over $500,000 in the last two decades. Parking in Oceanside can be limited, particularly for the main 5K wave, though the early wave generally offers more accessible parking.