Whether you’re a serious runner, or just want to have some fun with a festive walk, there are so many Thanksgiving Turkey Trots and and Festive Christmas and Holiday Races and Walks around Columbus. Gather your friends, some festive gear and lace up your running or walking shoes!
Most of these holiday races have great swag bags, and are for great causes, so pick your favorite or do a couple! You won’t have to wait until the New Year to start on a fitness resolution!
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Turkey Trots and Holiday Races around Columbus in November
Tiger Turkey Trot 5k & Kids Fun Run
WHEN: Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 9 a.m.
WHERE: Pickerington Central High School, 300 Opportunity Way, Pickerington, OH US 43147. Virtual race is also available.
COST: $35. Race benefits the Pickerington Central Tiger Lacrosse Booster Club.
GOODIE BAG: T-shirts and finish line goodies
KIDS RUN: Kids Fun Run $15 at 8:30 am
Hot Chocolate 15k/5k
WHEN: Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 7:30 a.m. Virtual race also available.
WHERE: Arena District, Columbus, Ohio
COST: $49-$54 for 5K, $69-$74 for 10K
GOODIE BAG: Finishers get an official Hot Chocolate medal and the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k goodie bag featuring a full-zip jacket with a hood. Need a boost during the race? There are sweet stations along the course! The sweet stations will include marshmallows, chocolate chips and M&Ms to enjoy along your way. You’ll also enjoy hot chocolate (of course), chocolate, and other goodies after the race.
Powell Turkey Trot
WHEN: Thursday, November 25, 2021 at 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: Village Green Park
COST: $45
GOODIE BAG: Each participant ages 21 and over will receive a super soft finishers shirt, mug, craft beer to take home (21 and over only), or custom socks
KIDS RUN: Wobble ‘Till You Gobble Kids 1/4 mile fun run at 8 a.m. for $12. Participants get a race bib and shirt at packet pickup, a finisher medal, and snack upon completion of the race.
Flying Feather Four Miler
WHEN: Thursday, November 25, 2021 at 9 am. Virtual race also available.
WHERE: The Club at Corazón, Dublin, Ohio
COST: $45-$55
GOODIE BAG: All runners and walkers 21 and over receive a premium quarter zip, finisher’s medal, and a bottle of wine for the Thanksgiving Table (wine only available on race day for in-person runners).
KIDS RUN: Kids Gobbler Chase (less than 1/4 mile) starts at 8:30 for kids 10 and under ($10). All participants in the Kids’ Gobbler Chase receive a race shirt, finisher’s medal, and a Hog Mollies book courtesy of the Second & 7 Foundation!
Chase Columbus Turkey Trot
WHEN: Thursday, November 25, 2021 at 9 a.m. for 5 Miler and 9:10 am for 2.6 Miler, and a Tot Trot. Virtual race also available.
WHERE: Shops on Lane Avenue located at 1675 W Lane Avenue, Upper Arlington
COST: $40 for the 5 miler and 2 miler, and $8 for the tot trot
GOODIE BAG: Every participant of the 5 miles and 2 miles receive a pumpkin pie, finisher’s medal, and a long sleeve technical shirt
KIDS RUN: Tot Trot: 8:30am. Tot Trot is just $5 and all kids get a custom shirt, a finisher medal and a finish line treat!
New Albany Thanksforgiving 4 Miler and kids run
WHEN: Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2021 at 8:30 am
WHERE: Market Square in New Albany
COST: NO OFFICIAL FEE! You can give as much or as little as you want. The goal is to feed as many families in Central Ohio as possible. 100% of net proceeds are donated to local nonprofits. You decide on the donation – and how many meals you want to provide. They are also collecting canned goods.
GOODIE BAG: Each Thanksforgiving 4 Miler registration donation of $35 or more comes with an awesome vintage tri-blend participant shirt.
KIDS RUN: 200 meter dash at 8:15 a.m. Participants receive a medal
Thanksgiving Wattle
WHEN: Thursday, November 25, 2021
WHERE: Lamplighter Drive, Grove City, OH US 43123
COST: $35-$45 for the 5k and the Rotisserie Roll, discounts for under 13 and over 60, and group entries
BIKE RIDE: Rotisserie Roll 12 Mile Bicycle Ride Around Grove City. Controlled Group Ride with Police Bike Support. Start to be approximately 12 minutes earlier than Wattle 5K.
GOODIE BAG: 5K Runner and walker finishers get long sleeve t-shirts, chip timing, pumpkin pies and finish line refreshments
KIDS RUN: 100-200 Yard Primrose Children’s Run For the Pantry. 8:30am Start Time: $15.00; Ages 2-8.
ADAPTIVE EVENT: Turkey Leg 100 8:40 am Start Time; $15; For Disabled Athletes and their Aides; No Age restrictions. On Line Entry cost is $15. This covers the normal 5K Swag: a Long Sleeve T Shirt, a race ID Bib (no chip), a Medal, a Pumpkin Pie, and Finish Line Area refreshments.
The Delaware Turkey Trot 5K, 2 mile & Kid’s Fun Run
WHEN: Thursday, November 25, 2021 at 8:30 am. Virtual option available.
WHERE: Held behind Office Max/Kohl’s, in Delaware
COST: $35-$44, depending on date of registration. 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Autism Society Central Ohio
GOODIE BAG: Each participant receives a long-sleeved t-shirt, a finisher medal, a draw string bag, and every finisher receives a pumpkin pie.
KIDS RUN: Kids’ Fun Run starts at 8:30 a.m. for kids ages 8 and under (2 ages groups; 4 and under, and 5-8). Goodie bag for kids includes a draw string bag, medal, and a t-shirt. Registration is $10-$15.
Honda Federal Credit Union Pumpkin Dash 5k
WHEN: Thursday, November 25, 2021 at 9 am. Virtual option available.
WHERE: 215 W.5th Street, Marysville, OH US 43040
COST: $35-$45
GOODIE BAG: 5k participants receive Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Cotton/Polyester Running Gloves (all sizes are medium), Fleece Earbands, Custom Race Medal, Race Photographs
KIDS RUN: Little Pumpkin Dashers is free for ages 1-6.
Leftover Run 5K
WHEN: Friday, November 26, 2021 at 9 a.m.
WHERE: Dublin Community Recreation Center, 5600 Post Rd, Dublin
COST: $15
GOODIE BAG: It’s leftover time! There are leftover race numbers, race shirts, and medals from events over the past few years. When you arrive you’ll get your choice of a race shirt in your preferred size. When you finish, you’ll get your choice of a medal. We’ll be donating some of the extra shirts after the Leftover Run to this great local organization. In addition to the donation of the extra race shirts, we’re asking you to help make a great donation to Goodwill Columbus by bringing any donatable clothing to the event that we’ll then include with the donation to help those in need.
Columbus Hungry Turkey Run 5k/10k
WHEN: Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. Virtual event available.
WHERE: Genoa Park, 333 W Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
COST: $37-$50 for 5k, $45-$75 for 10k
GOODIE BAG: Premium long sleeve race shirt, medal, and finish line donuts
KIDS RUN: 8:15 a.m. Kids Dash finisher award to all Kids Dash participants.
Christmas Themed Holiday Races around Columbus in December
Jingle Bell Run or Walk
WHEN: Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 8 a.m.
WHERE: Genoa Park, 303 W Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
COST: $35 – $45 for 1 mile, untimed 5k, and timed 5k
GOODIE BAG: Long sleeve t-shirt, jingle bells, bib, finish line food and drink, and more fun until noon.
KIDS RUN: Kids Run – Reduced rate for ages 12 & under.
Santa Race 5K and Little Reindeer Dash
WHEN: Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Creekside Gahanna
COST: $15 – $45
GOODIE BAG: Santa Race 5K participants get a medal, holiday hat, and a long sleeve t-shirt.
KIDS RUN: Little Reindeer Dash for ages 6 and under at 9 a.m.
Santa Race 5K 2019 via Santa Race 5k Facebook page
Rudolph 5K Run/Walk hosted by Westerville Lions Club
WHEN: Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 2 p.m. Virtual option available.
WHERE: The race begins and ends on State St (State Route 3) just south of County Line Rd near St. Paul Catholic Church in Westerville
COST: $25-$30
GOODIE BAG: Long sleeve t-shirts printed by Rising Moon Custom Apparel (while supplies last) that will be included in race bags for registrants as well as gift cards and other items. All participants will also receive a 2021 Rudolph Run finisher medal.
DETAILS: The Westerville Lions Rudolph Run/Walk 5K is a family-encouraged 5K event which will kick off the Westerville Lions Children’s Christmas Parade (taking place directly after the race). Costumes encouraged.
NC4K Reindeer Run 5K/1 Mile
WHEN: Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 9 a.m. Virtual option available.
WHERE: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
COST: $25 – $35
GOODIE BAG: Reindeer Run shirts if registered by 11/10. Registration includes admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for December 11th
KIDS RUN: Kids Fun Run is at 8:45 a.m.
Run the Lights!
This is your unique opportunity to run the light show at the Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights! It’s like no other run (or walk)! Get to see all the lights in this very special experience. This is the only public run through the light show – normally only cars are permitted through it.
WHEN: Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 4:40 am – 6 am
WHERE: Alum Creek State Park / Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights, 3311 S Old State Rd 43212, Delaware, OH 43015
OPTIONS: 3 or 6 miles. Runners will start in waves.
COST: $35-$40. On-site parking passes for $10, or ride the free 5 minute shuttle from Olentangy Berlin High School
GOODIE BAG: Pint Glass or Mug at the finish line, Hot Chocolate (at packet pickup party), $5 off Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights drive-thru show (come back and drive thru with your car!), BOGO to Lazer Kraze!, Race T-shirt (must register by (Thursday, 11/26/21), Special item from Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians, Ticket to Packet Pickup Party
See more races throughout the year in Central Ohio!
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Friday, December 3, 2021
Saturday, December 4, 2021
Sunday, December 5, 2021
Monday, December 6, 2021
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Friday, December 10, 2021
Saturday, December 11, 2021
Sunday, December 12, 2021
Monday, December 13, 2021
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Groveport Gobble Gallop 5K
WHEN: Not scheduled for 2021
WHERE: Groveport Recreation Center. 5k run/walk on all paved sidewalks and trails, except for a small gravel section
COST: $25-$30 for adults, $10-$15 for kids ages 8-14. Under age 8 run free with parents, but no timing or prizes.
GOODIE BAG: Unknown
Circleville Turkey Trot
WHEN: Not scheduled for 2021. Fun 5k run/walk to raise money for Pickaway United Pantries through PICCA.
WHERE: St. Philip’s Church in Circleville
COST: $30-$35
GOODIE BAG: The first 400 to sign up receive a race day shirt, and there will be food and drink after the race.
Be the LIGHT 5K 2020
WHEN: TBA for 2021
WHERE: Gahanna Golf Course Clubhouse, 220 Olde Ridenour Road, Gahanna, OH US 43230
COST: $30-$45; Please collect and bring any new or gently used shoes to donate. We will be packaging lunches for the homeless. You can come early, stay after or have someone pack them for you but a portion of your registration will go towards feeding the homeless in Columbus.
GOODIE BAG: Shirt, medal, surprise ‘bling’, post-race snack.
Hot Chocolate & Eggnog 5k, 10k & Kids FUN Run
WHEN: TBA for 2021, Kids Run – 11:00am, 5k/10k – 11:05am
WHERE: Westerville Sports Complex (Near Community Center), 325 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082
COST: $25-$45; based on registration date
GOODIE BAG: Every participant will receive a long sleeve race shirt, custom race bib, chip timed results, finisher photos, hot chocolate, eggnog, food and more! Wear the ugliest sweater, shirt or jacket that you can find and come out and drink some hot chocolate and egg nog! They are supporting Driven Foundation’s upcoming Holiday Food Outreach so bring some canned goods (encouraged but not required)! A list of most needed items are near the bottom of the page.
KIDS RUN: $5-$15, or free without a tshirt.
Santa Speedo Dash for Diabetes 5k/1 mile
WHEN: TBA for 2021
WHERE: Genoa Park (behind COSI), 303 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
COST: $35-$45. Speedos are encouraged, but not mandatory. Get into the fun with your festive holiday wear!
GOODIE BAG: Event registration includes swag, race timing, post-run food buffet and access to post event celebration at Strongwater
Dublin Snowflake 5K
WHEN: TBA 2021 at 9 a.m.
WHERE: Dublin Community Rec Center, 5600 Post Rd, Dublin, OH US 43016
COST: $35
GOODIE BAG: All finishers receive long sleeve sweatshirts, finisher medals, chip timing and awards. Post race holiday goodies and hot chocolate await all runners at the finish line.
Freeze Your Fanny 5k and 10k
WHEN: TBA for 2021
WHERE: Sharon Woods Metro Park located at 6911 Cleveland Ave, Westerville, Ohio 43081
COST: $35
GOODIE BAG: All participants will receive a colorful sweat shirt, finish line beverage mug, chip timing with post race food and drink!
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