How to Enter the Annual Turkey Trot

For 28 years the Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk has been Springfield’s Thanksgiving tradition. Over the years, thousands of participants have gotten up early every Thanksgiving morning to get some exercise in before feasting later in the day. Although the race looked a little different the past two years, the Park Board is excited to be planning this year’s Turkey Trot as a return to an in-person race in downtown Springfield. 

The event acts as a fundraiser for the Springfield Greene County Park Board Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund that allows kids who may not have funding to register for some programs through the Park Board. Additionally, the race serves as a fundraiser for the Developmental Center of the Ozarks and as one of the largest single-day food drives for Ozarks Food Harvest. 

Bring the whole family, including your dogs, to participate in the race. Wear a turkey costume, coordinating outfits with your friends or anything between. Whether you’re a first-time participant or have done the Turkey Trot for 20 years, anyone is welcome to register for the event.

The race begins and ends at the Springfield Expo Center downtown at 8 a.m. on the morning of Thanksgiving. Registration can be completed online or in person at packet pickup the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. To find everything you need for the event including registration and a map of the route, visit the park board website.