What to Wear at Your Turkey Trot (and How to Make It the Most Fun Family Tradition Yet)
Thanksgiving morning always has its own kind of energy. The air feels crisp. There’s coffee brewing. Somewhere down the street, you can already hear a cowbell ringing.
Turkey Trots are one of my favorite traditions of the year. Not because of the pace, or the miles, or the medals — but because they bring out what running is really about: joy, community, and gratitude. It’s the one day when the focus isn’t on how fast you run, but on how much fun you can have while doing it.
Here’s how to dress, stay warm, and make your Turkey Trot one of those mornings your whole family remembers.
Dress the Part
No one’s going to care about your finishing time, but they will remember your outfit. Turkey Trots are made for a little silliness. Go for it.
A few things to think about before you head to the start line:
A fun hat always wins — turkey, pumpkin pie, whatever makes you smile.
Thanksgiving-themed socks are easy to find and great conversation starters.
Gloves and ear warmers are essential. It’s colder than you think at 8 a.m. in November.
Bright layers help you stay warm and make your crew easy to spot in the crowd.
I’ll share a few of my favorite gear links below — things that look festive, keep you comfortable, and maybe make a few strangers laugh.
Make It a Family Thing
Every family’s Turkey Trot looks a little different. Maybe you’ve got three generations lacing up. Maybe you’re the only one who runs, and everyone else comes to cheer with coffee in hand. Either way, you can make it special.
Let the kids lead the warm-up — they’ll make it up as they go, and that’s half the fun.
Encourage everyone to move at their own pace. Walk, jog, sprint, repeat. There’s no wrong way to do it.
If you finish early, go back and cheer for the rest of your crew.
And once you’re all done, wear your medals proudly for the rest of the day. Breakfast, dinner, everything. It’s part of the tradition.
Focus on Gratitude, Not the Garmin
If there’s one day to forget about pace, this is it. Let each mile be a chance to think about what you’re thankful for — your health, your family, the chance to move your body in the cold morning air.
If you’ve got kids out there with you, remember this: how they feel about running today shapes how they’ll feel about it for years. Don’t worry if they sprint for ten seconds and then walk. That’s their rhythm. Encourage them, cheer for them, and let them know they’re already runners — because they showed up.
End With Food and Family
When the race is over, it’s time to eat. Stop for breakfast or head home for pancakes. Swap stories, laugh about the hats, and let the morning sink in.
That’s what a Turkey Trot is really about — showing up with people you love, moving your body, and taking a moment to be grateful for another year together.
So this Thanksgiving, don’t stress about splits or pace charts. Just run, laugh, and be thankful for every step.
Happy Trotting,
Coach Francisco
Coach Francisco’s Turkey Trot Picks
Before we get into the gear, a quick note — some of the links below are affiliate links, which means if you grab something through them, Running Fit Lab earns a small commission (at no extra cost to you). I only share products I’d actually wear, use, or gift to a runner I care about. It helps keep the coffee flowing and the blog rolling — thanks for supporting the work.
1. The Classic Turkey Hat
Goofy, warm, and impossible not to smile at. Great for group photos.
Shop the Turkey Hat →
2. Pumpkin Pie Hat
For those who prefer dessert on their head instead of their plate.
Shop the Pie Hat →
3. Eight-Piece Family Hat Set
Get the whole family in on the fun — perfect for group photos and post-race breakfast selfies.
Shop the Family Set →
4. Turkey Beanie
A more low-key (but still festive) option for cold race mornings.
Shop Option 1 →
Shop Option 2 →
5. Thanksgiving Retro Compression Socks
Add a pop of holiday color and keep those calves happy.
Shop the Socks →
6. Cozy Running Gloves
Lightweight, warm, and perfect for that pre-race coffee cup.
Shop the Gloves →
7. Bright Ear Warmer
It’s always colder than you think when the race starts. This one adds color and comfort.
Shop the Orange Ear Warmer →
8. Reflective Layer by Noxgear
A favorite for early-morning runs and dark starts. Keeps you visible and safe — plus, it looks pretty cool in race photos.
Shop Noxgear →