By Brandon House, REALTOR®
Quick answer: The Oklahoma City Turkey Trot is Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, in downtown OKC. The 1-mile starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K at 9 a.m., with a Kids Dash for the little ones. Costumes are encouraged, and the crowd picks a costume contest winner at 10:15 a.m. First prize is a Thanksgiving pie.
There's something about starting Thanksgiving with a crowd of neighbors in turkey hats. The OKC Turkey Trot is one of the metro's favorite holiday traditions: a quick, festive run through downtown, a post-race party, and you're home in plenty of time to start the oven.
Whether you're racing for a time or walking with a stroller, here's what to expect.
OKC Turkey Trot 2026 at a glance
What | Details |
|---|---|
Date | Thu., Nov. 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day) |
1-mile start | 8:30 a.m. |
5K start | 9 a.m. |
Kids | Kids Dash for young runners |
Costume contest | 10:15 a.m. at the post-race party, crowd-judged |
Location | Downtown Oklahoma City (past years started near NW 5th St. and Harvey Ave., by the Memorial) |
Cost | Registration starts around $25; the 5K runs about $44 at early pricing |
Can't make it? | A virtual option is available |
Pick your distance
- 5K (3.1 miles): The main event. Great for runners and walkers alike.
- 1-mile: A relaxed option for families, first-timers and anyone saving their energy for the pie.
- Kids Dash: A short run for the youngest trotters.
The costume contest
This is the best part for a lot of families. Turkeys, pilgrims, pies and the occasional full Thanksgiving dinner all show up. The contest starts at 10:15 a.m. at the post-race party, the crowd decides the winner, and first place takes home a Thanksgiving pie.
Tips for race morning
- Register early. Prices usually go up as race day gets closer.
- Pick up your packet ahead of time if you can. Details are usually posted a couple of weeks before the race. Race-morning pickup is busier.
- Arrive early. Downtown streets close for the course, so give yourself extra time to park and walk to the start.
- Dress in layers. Late-November mornings in OKC can start cold and warm up fast.
- Make a morning of it. Downtown is already dressed up for the holidays by Thanksgiving, with Bricktown decorated and Downtown in December getting started.
More Thanksgiving runs around OKC
- Edmond Turkey Trot: Thanksgiving morning in downtown Edmond, with a 5K and a 1-mile Family Wobble. See my Edmond Turkey Trot guide.
- Turkey Trails: Saturday, Nov. 21, at Wiley Post Park, with distances from a short dash to a half marathon.
Living near the start line
Downtown OKC has changed a lot in the last decade, and events like this are a big reason people love living close in. Midtown, Automobile Alley, Deep Deuce and the neighborhoods just north of downtown put you minutes from the Turkey Trot, the Thunder and everything in between.
If you're thinking about a move, in OKC or anywhere around the metro, I'd love to help. And if you've served, my 2026 guide to buying with a VA loan in Oklahoma City and Norman walks through how your benefit works here. For more holiday fun, see my OKC Christmas lights 2026 guide.
Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours.
OKC Turkey Trot FAQ
When is the OKC Turkey Trot in 2026?
Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026. The 1-mile starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K at 9 a.m.
Where is the OKC Turkey Trot?
Downtown Oklahoma City. In past years the start and finish have been near NW 5th Street and Harvey Avenue, close to the Oklahoma City National Memorial. Check your race confirmation for the 2026 location.
How much does the OKC Turkey Trot cost?
Registration starts around $25, and the 5K was about $44 at early pricing. Prices rise closer to race day.
Can kids do the OKC Turkey Trot?
Yes. There's a Kids Dash, and the 1-mile is a great family option.
Is there a costume contest?
Yes. It starts at 10:15 a.m. at the post-race party, the crowd picks the winner, and first place wins a Thanksgiving pie.
