The Biggest Turkey Trots in the US: Where to Watch and Shoot

On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26, 2026, hundreds of thousands of people lace up for a turkey trot. It is widely described as the biggest day for road races in the United States, with as many as a million runners and walkers. Here are the biggest and best-known races, and what photographers should know about each.

Why Thanksgiving morning is the biggest race day of the year

Families run together, offices field teams, dogs wear costumes and kids run a one-kilometer dash. Most turkey trots are 5Ks or short road races that start between 7 and 10 a.m. and finish before noon, which gives photographers a short, intense window with huge crowds and lots of emotion. People also buy photos: families want the picture of everyone in matching shirts, and runners want the costume shot.

Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot (Dallas, Texas)

Now in its 59th year, the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot expects 20,000 or more participants in Downtown Dallas, with 5K and 8-mile races, a 1K kids' trot and two costume contests, one for people and one for their dogs. Listings show start times at 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. near Dallas City Hall. It describes itself as the largest Thanksgiving Day event of its kind in the country. For photographers, the costume contests and the dog division are a gift.

YMCA Buffalo Niagara Turkey Trot (Buffalo, New York)

The Buffalo Turkey Trot is billed as the oldest consecutively run footrace in the world, first run in 1896, and 2026 is the 131st running. It is an 8K that draws about 14,000 runners and walkers, with a 9:00 a.m. start. For 2026 the course is a new single loop starting and ending at the Buffalo Convention Center downtown. Late November in Buffalo can mean cold and snow, so plan for gloves and battery management.

Manchester Road Race (Manchester, Connecticut)

Run since 1927, this 4.748-mile race is one of New England's biggest Thanksgiving traditions. It is reported to draw more than 15,000 runners and 20,000 spectators, with costumes everywhere, and it feels as much like a parade as a race. Confirm the start time and course with the organizer.

Other very large turkey trots

Chicago: often listed as the largest, with tens of thousands of participants in and around Grant Park.
Sacramento, California: the Run to Feed the Hungry, with more than 29,000 runners across the 5K and 10K, according to race guides.
Austin, Texas: a popular 5-mile race that has grown rapidly.
New Orleans, Louisiana: a long-running race through City Park.

Field sizes are approximate and change each year, so check each race's own page for numbers and dates.

New York turkey trots to shoot before Thanksgiving

NYCRUNS Great Gobble 5K in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, on Saturday, November 21, benefiting the YMCA of Greater New York.
Central Park Turkey Trot 4 Miler on Saturday, November 21, with a 9 a.m. start at the Naumburg Bandshell.
New York City Turkey Trot Half Marathon and 5K on Saturday, November 28, in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens.

For more local races, see The Photographer's Calendar: 12 NYC Races After the Marathon.

Before you shoot and sell

Most big turkey trots have an official photographer, and some have rules about selling images. Contact the organizer before race day to ask about credentials and photography policies. Many YMCA and charity races are happy to hear from photographers who share their work with participants.

Sell what you shoot, free

Runners and families cannot find you by name. Upload your turkey trot set to Surf Snaps as a gallery tagged by sport, place and date, and they can search for the race and find themselves. It costs nothing to join or upload, there is no storage bill, and the Surf Snaps fee on a sale is up to 10%, which you can pass on to the customer so the full price you set is yours. Sell what you shoot, free. Create your account before Thanksgiving.

Biggest Turkey Trots FAQ

When are the turkey trots in 2026?

Most are on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26, 2026. Some New York races run on the Saturdays before and after.

What is the biggest turkey trot in the US?

Chicago, Dallas and Sacramento are often cited as the largest. Dallas calls its race the largest Thanksgiving Day event of its kind.

What is the oldest turkey trot?

The YMCA Buffalo Niagara Turkey Trot, first run in 1896.

Can I sell photos from a turkey trot?

Ask the organizer first. Many races have official photographers and their own rules.

How do runners find photos afterward?

By searching Surf Snaps Explore by sport, place and date.