Each year, when Thanksgiving approaches, many people look for spirited ways to kick off the holiday morning with activity, connection, and fun. For residents of the Sun Lakes, AZ, area and surrounding communities, participating in a Turkey Trot offers a lively start—before the turkey gets carved—to walk or run together, enjoy the sunshine, and support meaningful causes. The tradition of holiday morning runs is increasingly popular nationwide, and the Phoenix-Valley area is no exception.
Whether someone is a seasoned 10K runner or a beginner looking for a brisk walk with family or friends, these events provide a perfect opportunity to set a festive tone for the day. Beyond the fitness aspect, they bring people together, raise funds for important local organizations, and feature fun extras like costume contests, kids’ events, and social connections.
This article explores popular Turkey Trots in and near Sun Lakes, highlights how they champion charity, offers training tips for newcomers, and shows how the whole family can get involved.
Popular Runs & Walks Around Thanksgiving
In the greater Phoenix area—including easily reachable locations from Sun Lakes—there are several well-organized Turkey Trots that cater to runners and walkers of all levels. One standout is the event in downtown Phoenix, offering 5K, 10K, and even a 1-mile Gobble Dash for those looking for something shorter.
Another classic option is in Mesa, featuring 5K, 10K, and a fun run around Red Mountain Park. For those willing to venture a bit further, the event at Verrado in Buckeye offers a 5K and a 1-mile run/walk, with options for families.
These events typically take place on Thanksgiving Day or the day before, giving participants a chance to gather, move, and then enjoy the holiday with a sense of accomplishment. They often allow walking, jogging, or running, making them accessible to a broad audience. For those in or near Sun Lakes, these events are close enough to reach without long travel, which makes them very appealing for a holiday morning plan.
Charity Focus in These Runs
One of the most meaningful elements of Turkey Trots around Sun Lakes is their emphasis on giving back. For example, the Mesa event is presented by the Sertoma Club of Mesa and features proceeds that benefit community outreach focused on the disabled and underserved.
The Gilbert event notes that 100 % of proceeds go to local nonprofit organizations. In another case, the “Run, Turkey, Run!” event in Goodyear invites participants to donate food, diapers, hygiene items, and pet food in support of a local food and clothing bank.
These charitable ties add meaningful purpose to the morning run or walk. Participants aren’t just moving their bodies—they’re contributing to food banks, shelters, youth programs, or community support services. This dual benefit—fitness plus philanthropy—makes these events especially compelling in the Sun Lakes area, where community-minded participation is strong.
Training Tips for Cooler Morning Runs
Although Arizona doesn’t face freezing temperatures, Thanksgiving-morning events often come with cooler starts, and early-morning timing means you’ll want to prepare accordingly. Beginners should plan to walk or jog 2-3 times per week in the weeks leading up to the race. Aim to gradually increase time on your feet so that the holiday morning feels comfortable rather than strenuous. A mix of walking and short jog intervals is a smart strategy.
It’s also essential to practice your outfit and hydration. Since many of these runs include costume or holiday-themed fun, you might want to try your apparel ahead of time—whether it’s layering, wearing festive accessories, or simply testing your shoes. Starting the day with a 5-10 minute warm-up right before the race can help your body adjust to the cooler air and mentally prepare you.
On the day of the event, arrive early so you can handle logistics—parking, bib pickup, restroom use—and give your body a few minutes to move and stretch. Even a short dynamic warm-up (leg swings, arm circles, light steps) will help. Finally, pace yourself. For many, these runs are as much about fun and community as the clock, so maintain a pace where you can chat and enjoy the experience.
Including Kids and Family in the Fun
A highlight of many Turkey Trots near Sun Lakes is the family-friendly structure. Events often feature a dedicated kids’ run or “Tot Trot” that allows younger participants to join in the festivities in a scaled-down way. For example, the Phoenix event includes a “Tot Trot” and a 1-mile Gobble Dash, perfect for younger children or walkers. Some runs add costume contests or themed elements—encouraging participants to don turkey shirts, tutus, funny hats, or full holiday flair—which adds a playful atmosphere where families can take pictures, laugh together, and enjoy the morning.
Simply inviting children to walk or jog the shorter route gives them a sense of participation and fun, and families benefit from starting the holiday day active and connected rather than rushing into a feast. Parents can treat the run as a light “meet-up” followed by breakfast or the main event afterward. Having kids join in the warm-up and stretching helps them understand that exercise before the meal is part of the plan. And importantly, these runs provide social time—family, friends, neighbors can gather for the race, then head out for the rest of the day together.
Choosing the Right Distance and Setting a Goal
When selecting a Turkey Trot in the Sun Lakes area, it’s smart to consider what distance and atmosphere fit best. If you’re new to running, a 1-mile fun run or walk is a great option—low pressure, quick, and accessible. Many calendars show runs as short as 1 mile or as long as 10K (6.2 miles) in the Valley. If you have some running experience, the 5K or 10K will challenge your stamina and give a more traditional race feel.
Decide ahead of time what your goal is: finish comfortably, run non-stop, walk with family, or push for time. Then choose an event that matches your preferences: if you want social and fun, go for the fun run; if you want a more formal race feel, pick a 5K or 10K. Also check the logistics—parking, start times, terrain—so you know what to expect. Because many events have limited size, early registration often pays off. And if you register for a larger race, picking up your packet the day before may save on race-day stress.
Planning Logistics for Race Day
Selecting a Turkey Trot near Sun Lakes means thinking through practical matters: arrival time, parking, bib pickup, and what you’ll bring. Since many events start early on Thanksgiving (often around 7:30-8:30 a.m.), plan your morning so you’re not rushing. Allow extra time for traffic, parking, restrooms, and warm-up. Some events list limited parking or recommend arriving by a specific time. For example, the Verrado event notes early-morning pickup and limited race-day pickup.
Also consider what you’ll wear and bring: layers for cool morning air, a hat or gloves if you’re sensitive, and a water bottle or hydration plan (even though many events provide water). If you’re participating with children or family, coordinate meeting spots and post-race plans—breakfast, photo ops, etc. Finally, since many races support charities, bring a donation item if required or encouraged; this can add to the feel-good factor of the morning.
The tradition of participating in a Turkey Trot offers more than a run—it provides a community experience, an early-morning movement before the holiday feast, and an opportunity to give back. In and around Sun Lakes, AZ, runners and walkers of all ages and abilities can find events that welcome families, offer fun themes, support charitable causes, and deliver festive fitness. Whether someone chooses to walk, jog, or run, the atmosphere is inclusive and celebratory.
By preparing in advance with training and logistics, each participant can make the most of the day—arriving ready, enjoying the event, and transitioning smoothly into Thanksgiving. Selecting the proper distance, including children, and embracing the charitable mission all contribute to a rich experience. As the turkey roasts and the family gathers later, starting with a trot ensures the day begins active, engaged, and connected.
When the next holiday morning rolls around, join your community in movement, purpose, and fun—and participate in a Turkey Trot that truly fits you.
Sources: runsignup.com, raceroster.com, runguides.com, runsignup.com
Header Image Source: The Phoenix Turkey Trot Facebook Page
