Franklin Park Turkey Trot - 5K Turkey Trot
External Event
Distance
3.1 mi
Pace
All paces
Terrain
Road
Difficulty
All Levels
About this run
14th Running of the Franklin Park Turkey Trot The Franklin Park Coalition’s now-famous Turkey Trot started in 2013. Last year's race was our biggest yet with over 2,500 neighbors and friends signing up to join us. It was also the fifth year in a row that we sold out before the race (despite increasing our runner cap)! Come join your friends and neighbors this year. With runners and walkers coming primarily from the neighborhoods that border the park, including Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and Mattapan, the Turkey Trot is the largest Thanksgiving Day race in the City of Boston. We look forward to welcoming back the many families who have let us know this is their Thanksgiving tradition. Kids aged 5 and under are always free (no registration required). All ages and paces welcome Strollers, wheelchairs, and race-ready leashed dogs are welcome Great prizes for fast finishers and costumes Event is chip timed Second start wave for causal joggers/walkers to maximize the fun for all Location November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day) Race Start 9:00 am Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse One Circuit Drive, Dorchester, MA 02121 Number Pickup Instructions Race day number pick up starts at 7:30am at the golf clubhouse: Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse 1 Circuit Drive, Boston MA Early Number pick up and in-person registration We will be offering opportunities for early number pick up with dates at the Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse (1 Circuit Drive, Boston, MA 02121) and JP Licks (659 Centre St Jamaica Plain, MA 02130) to be announced. Please note that race day registration may be limited or we may sell out (as we did the last five years). And, due to time constraints and the large number of runners expected, we highly encourage runners to make use of one of the early pick up options. Note: Do not try to enter the park through the maintenance yard off Canterbury Street. It is not a public way (Apple maps is lying to you!). Please enter off Blue Hill Avenue or Arborway at Morton Street). Parking Ample parking in Franklin Park at the golf clubhouse, along Circuit Drive, in the parking lot across the street, and in the circle by the exit towards Blue Hill Ave. There’s additional parking .3 miles down Circuit Drive in an additional parking lot and by the zoo rear entrance. Restrooms The golf clubhouse will be open, but be advised that the bathrooms only have a few stalls. Additionally, we will several additional porta-potties as well. Leave plenty of time in case there is a line. Bag Check We will not have a bag check, sorry. Watch your step! Please be aware that the condition of the pathway surfaces varies and may be slippery or uneven in spots. Awards & Results We’ll have awards for the male, female, and non-binary overall winners, age group first place winners, and for runners in the best costumes, the fastest dog, and fastest stroller at approximately 10am outside the clubhouse. Volunteers Interested in volunteering either with early number pick up or on race day? Please sign up here.
Typical conditions
For events around November 2026 in Dorchester, MA, United States: Typical autumn conditions in this region — conditions can change quickly; confirm race-day guidance on the official page.
How to prepare
Most runners can prepare for a 5K with a few weeks of easy runs and one short faster session per week. Focus on consistency, not volume, and rest the day before race day.
Beginner's guide to your first 5KGetting there
This event is listed in Dorchester, MA, United States. Confirm the exact start venue, parking, and transit options on the official registration page.
Registration is handled by the official event organizer
Know a local group? Host a community run in Dorchester



