Davis Turkey Trot

Registration opens at Noon on Friday, August 14, 2026. 

The Davis Turkey Trot is an annual run/walk taking place the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year since 1988. We offer multiple events and distances, with something for every age group and ability. On event morning, along with an enjoyable run or walk through Davis’ residential neighborhoods and greenbelts, participants enjoy our post-race expo, with refreshments and samples from vendors. Prizes for timed events to overall winners as well as the top three finishers in each category. Prizes to top finishers in special divisions for 5K, 10K, and Half.

• The half marathon sold out in 2025 - please register early.
• Due to changes in insurance, dogs are not permitted on any of the race courses.

2026 Start Times

2026 times are subject to change and may change from the below

7:50 AM - Half Marathon
8:05 AM -  5K
8:45 AM - 10K and 2 Mile
10:15 AM - 1 Mile (Timed, all ages)
10:30 AM - Kids Fun Runs (1/2, 1/4 mile + Toddler Trot)
Last Updated 8/13/26

 

RACE INFO AT A GLANCE:

Race Venue: Civic Center Park | Corner 7th and B Streets 
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bWHbhN219Muk71ve9  

Packet Pick Up

Pre-Race Packet Pick Up: Friday, November 20 from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Veterans Memorial Center, located at 14th Street at B Street (in between the Yolo County Library and Davis High School). Address: 203 East 14th Street, Davis, CA 95616
Friday Parking: Davis High School student lot or library lot, side streets
What to bring to Packet Pick Up: Bring your QR code and show on your phone (hard copy printout ok too) to the check-in volunteer . You may check in family and friends- please bring their QR code / screenshot of it to check them in.

Saturday (Race Day Pick Up): 6:30 am onwards at Civic Center Park
Arrive at registration 60-75 minutes early if picking up race day
What to bring to Race Day Packet Pick Up: Bring your QR code and show on your phone (hard copy printout ok too) to the check-in volunteer. You may check in family and friends- please bring their QR code / screenshot of it to check them in.
Saturday parking: Downtown streets or at Davis High School
(suggested) and walk down B Street from 14th to 7th Street

 

Divisions and Amenities

1 MILE/2 MILE/5K/10K/HALF Entries: Includes chip timing and eligibility for overall & age group awards, long sleeve, DryBlend (50/50) t-shirt, and a finisher medal.  Age division awards three-deep in age groups. Prizes to the top three finishers by gender (men, women, nonbinary) in special divisions in the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon.  Participants are eligible to win both age group and special division prizes. See bottom of page for more info.  It is not suggested that children under age 11 run unaccompanied by an adult in any of these distances. All participants on the course for the 1M, 2M, 5K, 10K, Half must be registered. Children in strollers are FREE but we ask that you complete a registration for them. They will receive a complimentary commemorative race bib (which you can display during the race on the stroller for photo purposes, not required) and you will have the option to add-on a short sleeve t-shirt for them if you desire. One parent / guardian may run alongside a child in the Kids Fun Run and does not need to be registered. All participants on the course in the 1 Mile, 2 Mile, 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon must be registered. 

Cancer survivors who identify themselves as such during the registration process will be presented with a special cancer survivor's finisher medal, which can be picked up at the Cancer Champions booth on race day after finishing the event.

Age Groups: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon have 5 year age groups as follows:

• 5K: 7 & Under, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 16-19, …, 75-79, 90+
• 10K: 11 & Under, 12-13, 14-15, 16-19, 20-24, …, 75-79, 80+
• Half Marathon:  1-15 Yrs, 16-19, 20-24, …, 65-69, 70+

2 Mile and 1 Mile will have the following age groups: 

• Children 8 and Under, Children 9-12, Teens 13-17, Adults 18-39, Masters 40-59, Seniors 60+.

Men, women, and nonbinary divisions will be awarded equally. Age group placement will be determined by net (chip) time for all events. Overall top finishers by gender (top 3 for 5K, 10K, Half; top 1 for 2 mile and 1 mile) will be determined by gun time for all timed events. 

 

Half Marathon:  This 13.1 mile course starts at 7:50 a.m. and travels through Downtown Davis, the Cannery, into the country via F Street and Road 29, and through the Davis greenbelts, finishing on B Street at the same finish line as the other races. Pacers from GVH will be present from 1:40 to 3:00 goal finish times to help you achieve your race aspirations. Water stops are every two miles (approx.). Course cut-off is 4 hours or 11:50 am. If you are not on track to finish within this timeframe, you will be offered a ride back to the finish line.  There are two "hills" on the half marathon route: 1) Covell Blvd overpass after the Cannery (to go up and over the train tracks) and 2) the footbridge to cross Covell and enter Community Park, near Catalina Ave. For the most part this is a very flat course.  The course has approximately one unpaved mile along the north edge of town along the canal. Minimum age is 15. Age exceptions made on a case by case basis; if granted, those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult who is registered for the race. Email to inquire. 

Dogs : Dogs are not permitted in this event in any distance due to new insurance policies.

Strollers: Strollers are allowed, however you must start toward the back at the starting line. If you are hoping to run fast, win an age group award, or place in a special division, do not run with a stroller. The course is too crowded and it is not safe for you, your child, or other people to do a lot of weaving, especially on the narrower portions.

Virtual Entries : Includes packet mailing via USPS (packets sent postrace), commemorative bib number, Long Sleeved t-shirt (opt-out if you prefer no tshirt), and finisher medal. Virtual Entrants will be emailed information about how to upload their time to our results server. Complete your virtual run or walk anytime between November 1 and December 15th. Virtual entrants may pick up their packets at packet pick up 11/20 if desired; otherwise they will be mailed after the race.

 

1 Mile All-Ages Run or Walk: The 1 Mile race will be timed and be for all ages. Prizes will be awarded to the top overall men, women, and nonbinary finisher plus the top three finishers by gender in each of the following age divisions: Children 8 and Under, Children 9-12, Teens 13-17, Adults 18-39, Masters 40-59, Seniors 60+. All people traveling on the 1 Mile course must be registered. Strollers are allowed but must start at the back, no exceptions. It is not suggested that children under age 11 run unaccompanied by an adult in the 1 Mile. This race goes on city streets.

 

Kids Fun Run Entries : A non-competitive, un-timed fun run with multiple distances. 1/4 Mile: Ages 3-12. 1/2 Mile: Ages 5-12. Toddler Trot: Ages 5 and Under.

 

Add-On Davis Turkey Trot Merchandise for participants: During registration you may add-on the following items to your entry:

• Short Sleeved cotton t-shirt. Available in sizes Adult S up to Adult 2X and Youth XS-XL. This shirt will be available for pick up in the Extra Merchandise table during Packet Pick Up or on Race Day.
• Davis Turkey Trot hat. Moisture wicking running cap or trucker cap (47 brand) adjustable. Available in one-size-fits-most adults. Hats will be available for pick up in the Extra Merchandise tent during Packet Pick Up or on Race Day.
• Add-ons are available while supplies last; please order early. No refunds; all sales are final. Sales tax will be applied to add-on purchases.
• Add-ons are not mailed for no shows but are mailed for virtual participants with their packets.

Guides/Support Runners for Adaptive Entrants: If you are a sighted guide for a visually impaired participant, or a support runner/walker for a disabled entrant in an adaptive category, please do not enter the adaptive division - that division is for the disabled athlete to enter. Support Runners (including sighted guides) for entrants must be registered for the event either as a standard paid entrant or as a support runner. Entering as a support runner is is offered at reduced charge and includes a finisher medal and bib (t-shirt can be added on). To register for the support runner/walker category, select "Support Runner" choice at registration (end of list). Those registering as a support runner will not be eligible for age group / special division awards nor be ranked by age.   A bib and finisher medal are included.    (No support runner entry available for wheelchair entrants except for pushed wheelchairs).  In the case that support runners wish to receive the full race experience (eligible for awards, ranked by age division, etc) in that case they should register for the distance they are going to run/walk (2 mile, 5K, etc) instead of as a Support Runner, but be sure to not enter an Adaptive Division. Email [email protected] with any questions prior to registering.  Please do not register as a Support Runner if you do not already have an athlete you are paired with. At this time we do not have a matching program.

Wheelchair participants:  
5K, 10K, Half Marathon Wheelchair/Adaptive entrants: If you would like a 2 minute head start for your division please email us at least four days before race day at [email protected] so that we can schedule that for you and notify start line officials. 

Packet Pick Up

Pre-Race Packet Pick Up:

• Friday, November 20, 2:30 to 6:30 pm at the Veteran's Memorial Center (Corner 14th and B Streets, Davis)
• Packets will include your bib and t-shirt.
• You may pick up for friends (please bring their QR code)
• ID is not required
• Please bring your unique QR code from your race confirmation email for easy check-in and show it to the registration check-in volunteer. A copy/screenshot on your phone or in mobile wallet is perfect. 
• We will not be able to accommodate pick ups outside the posted registration times, as this is the timeframes we have volunteers scheduled to assist. Please do not arrive early.

Race Morning Pick Up

• Opens at 6:30 a.m.
• Located on the basketball court on the north end of Civic Field; adjacent to MLK School*
• Packets will include your bib and t-shirt.
• ID is not required to pick up
• Please bring your unique QR code from your race confirmation email for easy check-in and show it to the registration check-in volunteer. A copy/screenshot on your phone or in mobile wallet is perfect. 
• Please arrive at least 60 minutes prior to your race start if you are picking up your packet on race day
• On-site registration will be available, however registering online prior to arrival is strongly encouraged. Cash and card accepted. No checks. 

*in the event of rain, registration location may change

FAQ

• Strollers are permitted but must start  toward the back. No exceptions . Please do not line up right on the starting line. If you wish to run a faster time or compete for an age group prize, we suggest you do not run with a stroller, or you will be doing a lot of weaving. This is not safe for you or for other participants.
• All events (except the Kids Fun Run) are scored and placed using your chip time, therefore, feel free to hang back from the crowd at the start. Your time does not start until you cross the starting mats. Only overall awards (top three by gender) are based on gun time. 
• Unclaimed awards are not mailed. Please pick up on race day.
• Shirts are not held for no-shows and packets are not sent for no-shows. 
• If you would like to participate in more than one event, please register for each event separately. 
• Need to change your race distance after you have registered? (E.g. Registered for the half marathon, wish to switch to the 10K). You may do so within your runsignup account OR send us an email asking us to make the switch (Email deadline is 11/18). Division transfers may also be made when picking up race bib. No refunds for the difference if you "downgrade". 
• Interested volunteer groups, please email us
• Interested booth vendors : more information is available here. 
• Scooters, bikes, hula hoops, rollerblades, skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates, trikes, and sports balls are not allowed on the course. No children in wagons unless there is a seatbelt.
• The Half Marathon and 10K both have one location on the course where participants go up a curb. We will do our best to make a ramp in this location. 10K entrants cross this point one time and Half Marathoners cross it twice.  
• Children in strollers: We are asking children in strollers to be registered for the event. Registration for this is free. We will provide you with a commemorative bib when you check them in if you would like one. If you would like to purchase the child in the stroller a race t-shirt, you will have the opportunity to do so during registration. 

Refund Policy

Please Note Refund Policy: Start times are subject to change. Event happens rain or shine. All entries are strictly non refundable and non transferable.   Race insurance is offered by a third party in the case that you become injured or cannot attend. We reserve the right to postpone, delay or cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances or acts of God which would make staging the event unsafe for event participants, volunteers, sponsors or staff. If we, the State of California, Yolo County, or the City of Davis deem this event unsafe to occur in person due to current health conditions (including disease, or air quality due to wildfires) we will notify you of our decision to postpone or cancel, or move to virtual, by email as well as on our website and social media pages. There will be no refunds   should this occur, and all entry fees will be first used to cover incurred expenses and then donated to our charity.  If you become ill prior to event day, have to go out of town for work, or cannot attend due to family issues, we can transfer your entry to the virtual division (deadline is 11/20) and you can participate virtually; or if you purchased the race insurance you can file a claim. We also allow transfers to a friend/family member IF your request is submitted on or before Thursday, Nov. 19. We do not, however, grant refunds should the an illness/unable to attend circumstance occurs.