Your Turkey Trot Guide: Run, Walk, and Start Thanksgiving Right

There's no better way to start Thanksgiving in Manhattan than on the streets of Aggieville with a crowd of friends and neighbors. The MHK Turkey Trot 5K is back for its 11th year on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and we're proud to put it on with Red Dirt Race Management. Whether you're chasing a fast time or just want to earn your pie, there's a spot for you on the start line.

Why We Love Turkey Trot

The race starts at 9:00 AM at 12th & Moro in Aggieville. The course is an out-and-back that takes you around City Park and down Poyntz before bringing you back. Last year more than 1,500 people finished, and every finisher gets a medal. Proceeds benefit the Flint Hills Breadbasket, so your morning miles help feed families right here at home.

It's also a chance to see the whole town out in one place. You'll see fast runners, families with strollers, friends in matching hats, and dogs on leashes. It has become the way a lot of us start the holiday.

Registration is $30 for adults through Sunday, November 8, and $35 after that, and kids 12 and under get $10 off. You can register on Race Roster, and race-day registration is available Thanksgiving morning too. Can't be in town? The virtual 5K is the same price, and the shirt and medal get mailed to you the week after the race.

First-Timers and Walkers, This One's for You

If this is your first race, Turkey Trot is a great place to start. And yes, it's completely okay to walk. Plenty of people walk the whole 3.1 miles, and plenty more mix running and walking. Nobody is keeping score but you.

You still have time to get ready. With three or four weeks, try this simple plan. Get out three days a week for 25 to 35 minutes. In week one, alternate 1 minute of easy jogging with 2 minutes of walking. Each week, add a little more jogging and a little less walking. If you're walking the whole way, just build up your walks until 45 minutes feels comfortable. Take the last few days before the race easy so your legs feel fresh.

Want company while you train? Join our Tuesday group run at 5:30 pm. All paces are welcome, walkers included, and it's a friendly way to get some miles in before the big day.

On race morning, line up toward the back of the crowd. It keeps you out of the rush at the start and lets you settle into your own pace. Start slower than you think you need to. If you can talk in full sentences, you're doing it right. Look for the water station along the course, and remember that walking breaks are a smart plan, not a failure.

A few tips to make the morning easy:

Pick up your packet early. Packet pickup is Tuesday, November 24, from 10 AM to 7 PM and Wednesday, November 25, from 10 AM to 5 PM at the shop at 1129 Garden Way. Race-morning pickup is 7:30 to 8:45 AM at Kite's, 615 N. 12th Street, and it closes at 8:45 AM sharp.

Park at the Beach Museum of Art lots (K-State A1 and A2) or the Aggieville Parking Garage. There's no street parking on Moro.

Get there about 45 minutes early so you have time for the restroom, a warm-up walk, and a few photos.

Don't try anything new on race day. Wear the shoes and clothes you've trained in.

What to Wear on a Cold Thanksgiving Morning

Late November mornings in Manhattan can be chilly and windy. A good rule is to dress like it's 15 to 20 degrees warmer than it really is, because you'll warm up fast once you get moving. Walkers can add one more layer, since you won't heat up as much.

Start with your head and hands. A hat like the Brooks Notch Thermal Beanie 2.0 holds in heat, and the Mizuno Breath Thermo Headband keeps your ears warm if a full hat is too much. For gloves, the Nike Women's Therma-FIT Pacer Sphere Midweight Running Glove is a great everyday pick, and the Nike Therma-FIT GORE-TEX Run Gloves are ready for wind or a wet morning.

Next, build your layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base like the MRC Men's Performance Tech Long Sleeve 2.0. On a colder morning, add one of our own MRC CloudalLux quarter zips, or the boxy women's CloudalLux quarter zip. If the wind is up, our MRC Lightweight CoreGrid Jacket, along with the women's version, blocks the gusts without feeling heavy.

For your legs, the Brooks Men's Momentum Thermal Tight and the Brooks Women's Momentum Thermal Tight keep you warm when it's near freezing. Finish with merino socks like the Feetures Merino 10 Cushion No Show Tab, and tuck a pair of Adhesive Toe Warmers in your shoes on a really cold day. A swipe of Body Glide helps prevent chafing under layers too.

For shoes, comfort comes first. If you need a pair, the Brooks Ghost 18 and the women's Ghost 18 are soft, steady daily trainers that work for running and walking. Stop by the shop and we'll fit you in person.

Costumes and Family Fun

Costumes are always welcome at Turkey Trot. Turkey hats, pie costumes, pilgrim outfits, anything goes. Get the whole family in on it. Kids can run, strollers are welcome, and so are friendly dogs on a leash. Just stay aware of the people around you on the course. If you're wearing a costume, give it a test run first to be sure it won't rub or slip once you're moving.

After the Race

Once you cross the finish line, grab your medal, get some water, and put on a dry layer before you cool down. A warm hat and a dry shirt in your car or bag will feel great. Take a few minutes to walk around and cheer for the runners and walkers still coming in. Then go home, stretch a little, and enjoy your Thanksgiving meal. You earned it.

Results will be posted on ChronoTrack after the race.

We can't wait to see you on Thanksgiving morning. Stop by the shop at 1129 Garden Way for your packet, some warm gear, or a few tips. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Manhattan Running Co.