Turkey Trot 5K, 1 Mile & Food Drive

For more than 40 years, St. George has kicked off Thanksgiving week with a community race that doubles as a food drive, where participants bring canned goods instead of paying typical race fees and stick around afterward for games, pie-eating contests, and frozen turkey giveaways. The Turkey Trot 5K, 1 Mile & Food Drive, held November 22, 2025 (annually the Saturday before Thanksgiving), starts with the 5K at 9:30 a.m. and 1-mile race at 9:35 a.m., both beginning and finishing at J.C. Snow Park in St. George. Registration costs just $10 for participants over 12 years old (normally $45 for other St. George 5K races) with a minimum donation of five canned goods required at packet pickup, though organizers encourage bringing as many items as possible.

The 2024 event collected a record 1,904 pounds of food from approximately 500 runners, and the 2025 goal is 2,000 pounds for the Utah Food Bank. Holiday-themed costumes are encouraged, with race staff dressing as turkeys and pilgrims to add festive atmosphere. Families with kids, runners looking for a casual holiday race, and visitors who want to contribute to the local community before Thanksgiving will find this compelling. After the races finish, the Harvest Festival begins at 10:30 a.m. with games, pie-eating contests, giveaways, and chances to win frozen turkeys. Packet pickup runs Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Viva Chicken (1183 E. 100 S., St. George), where you must bring your canned goods donation.

All participants receive finisher medals, creating a fun, low-pressure race atmosphere focused more on community giving than competitive times. The consolidated location at J.C. Snow Park provides easy parking and spectator access for families supporting multiple runners.