Denver Turkey Trot 2026: Washington Park Race and South Denver Thanksgiving Runs

The Denver turkey trot most people mean is the Thanksgiving morning race in Washington Park, the biggest one in the state and right in South Denver. This guide covers the 2026 Mile High United Way Turkey Trot (date, start times, prices, packet pickup and parking around the park) plus the smaller Thanksgiving morning races in Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Parker and the Southmoor Park neighborhood, so you can pick the one that fits your family.

Every date, time and price below comes from the race’s own page or its registration page as of Nov. 11, 2026. Prices on race sites go up as the day gets closer, so check the link before you sign up.

When and Where Is the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot in 2026?

The 53rd Mile High United Way Turkey Trot is on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, in Washington Park. The 4 mile course starts at South High School on East Louisiana Avenue and runs one way through the park to the Finish Village, on a course the organizers describe as relatively flat. In 2025 nearly 11,600 people took part and the race raised more than $770,000, according to Mile High United Way.

Race morning schedule

• 7:30 a.m. Registration and packet pickup tents open in front of South High School.
• 8:15 a.m. Wave 1 corrals open.
• 9:00 a.m. Wave 1 starts.
• 9:30 a.m. Wave 2 starts.
• 10:00 a.m. Wave 3 starts.
• 10:15 a.m. Lil’ Gobbler family fun run starts.

The organizers suggest arriving 45 minutes before your start wave. Only the 4 mile race is timed, so if you are walking with family there is no pressure to hurry.

How Much Does the Washington Park Turkey Trot Cost?

On the official Race Roster registration page, the 4 mile race and the Lil’ Gobbler fun run are each listed at $55.24, which includes $5.24 in fees. The page says the base price goes up by $5 on Nov. 20 and again on Nov. 26, so signing up this week is the cheapest option left. Youth 12 and under, seniors 60 and older, and military members get $5 off at checkout.

Your entry includes the 2026 race shirt (youth small through 3XL) and free digital race photos. Dogs can get their own Furry Friends registration for $15, which comes with a race bandana. You can still register on Thanksgiving morning at the tents in front of South High School, but the race does not promise shirt sizes for race day sign ups.

The money supports Mile High United Way’s work on early learning for young kids, education and housing help for young adults, and making sure families can cover basic needs.

Where Do You Pick Up Your Turkey Trot Packet?

Packet pickup is at Fleet Feet inside Cherry Creek Shopping Center, with mall validated parking and an outside entrance on the southeast side of the mall. The Race Roster page lists these 2026 times:

• Sunday, Nov. 22, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Thanksgiving morning from 7:30 a.m. in front of South High School

The race notes that details can change, and the main United Way page still shows last year’s weekdays, so check the official Turkey Trot page the week of the race. The mail your packet option closed on Oct. 25.

Where Should You Park for the Turkey Trot?

The race lists three places to park: the South High School lots at 1700 E Louisiana Ave, the streets around the edge of Washington Park, and the All City Stadium lot just south of South High School. With thousands of runners arriving in the same hour, the lots fill early. If you live in Platt Park, Bonnie Brae or West Washington Park, walking or biking to the start is usually faster than circling for a space.

The streets around Wash Park are lined with homes, and the race asks everyone to follow posted signs and be courteous to neighbors. Do not block driveways or alleys, and give yourself time to walk 10 to 15 minutes from wherever you park. The race page does not list street closures, so expect slow traffic on Downing Street, Franklin Street, Louisiana Avenue and Virginia Avenue during the race.

Can You Bring Kids, Dogs and Strollers?

Yes to all three, with a few rules from the race:

• Kids: The Lil’ Gobbler fun run at 10:15 a.m. is about one mile, and a parent or guardian has to stay with children in the Lil’ Gobbler area the whole time.
• Dogs: Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and retractable leashes are not allowed.
• Strollers and wagons: Allowed in every start wave, along with accessibility devices. Bikes, scooters and skateboards are not.
• Costumes: Thanksgiving costumes are encouraged, and there is a best costume contest during the start waves with prizes.

Adults 21 and older can visit the beer garden at the finish with ID.

What Other Thanksgiving Races Are There in South Denver and the South Suburbs?

If Wash Park sounds too crowded, these smaller races also run on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, 2026. Each detail comes from the race’s own registration page.

Race	Where	Start	Distance	Price
Southmoor Park Fun Run	Southmoor Park, Denver	10 a.m.	About 1.2 miles	Free, $20 suggested family donation
TD5K Turkey Day	Highlands Ranch	9 a.m.	5K	$55.05 adults, $37.20 ages 6 to 12
Gobble Wobble Run	Clement Park, Littleton	8:30 a.m.	5K	Sold out as of Nov. 11
Parker Turkey Day 5K	Parker Recreation Center	8 a.m.	5K, untimed	$41.53 with fees

Southmoor Park Fun Run, Denver

This small neighborhood race in the Southmoor Park neighborhood is in its fifth year. You run one or two laps around the park, about 1.2 miles for two, starting at 10 a.m. from the entrance off Oneida Street and Peach Way. It is free, with a suggested $20 donation per family that goes to the Southmoor Elementary pantry and backpack program, and organizers ask you to bring an item to donate. Every finisher gets a medal, and shirts go to kids who register ahead. Sign up on RunSignUp so organizers can plan food and prizes.

TD5K Turkey Day, Highlands Ranch

The TD5K starts and finishes near the stadium at Highlands Ranch at 9 a.m., with race day pickup and registration opening at 7 a.m. In the current price tier on Race Roster, entries are $55.05 for ages 13 and up, $37.20 for ages 6 to 12, free for kids 5 and under (no shirt), and $157.69 for a Flock of Four with two adults and two kids 12 and under. Online sign up closes Saturday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. Strollers and friendly dogs are welcome, and a pancake breakfast after the race raises money for the Douglas County Fallen Officer Fund. Early packet pickup is Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 1 to 6 p.m. at McDonald Hyundai, 1400 Plum Valley Lane.

Gobble Wobble Run, Littleton

The Gobble Wobble is a certified 5K course in Clement Park, starting at 8:30 a.m. near Pavilion J by the big playground. It has sold out for 2026, and the race says there is no race day registration, so it only works if you already have a bib. Leashed dogs and strollers are welcome, and kids under 5 do not need to register.

Parker Turkey Day 5K Fun Run and Walk

Parker Parks and Recreation and RNK Running and Walking host this untimed 5K from the Parker Recreation Center, with waves by pace between 8 and 8:15 a.m. The listed price was $41.53 with fees through 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 11, after which it goes up. Strollers are welcome, but the town asks you to leave dogs, bikes and scooters at home. Proceeds go to the Town of Parker Scholarship Program, and there is hot cocoa, cider and coffee at the finish. Race day sign up costs extra if space remains.

How Do You Run a Turkey Trot in Cold Denver Weather?

Thanksgiving morning in Denver can be anything from sunny and mild to below freezing with snow on the ground, and every race on this list runs rain, snow or shine. A few habits make the morning easier:

• Dress in layers you can shed. Wear a light layer that wicks sweat, then a jacket or old sweatshirt you do not mind leaving behind. You warm up fast after the first mile.
• Cover your hands and ears. Thin gloves and a hat matter more than a heavy coat at 9 a.m. in late November.
• Watch for ice. Shaded stretches of park paths can stay icy after a storm, so shorten your stride on turns and in the shade.
• Bring dry clothes for after. A warm top and socks in the car make the walk back and the drive home far more pleasant.
• Keep kids warm while waiting. Little ones get cold standing in the corral, so arrive close to your wave time rather than very early.

What to Do After the Race

Most families head home to start cooking, but if your dinner is out, our guide to Thanksgiving dinner at South Denver restaurants lists places serving on Nov. 26 and which ones need reservations. If you want a post race breakfast, check our South Denver brunch guide and call ahead, since many restaurants change their hours on the holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the Denver Turkey Trot start in 2026?

The Mile High United Way Turkey Trot starts in waves on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, 2026: Wave 1 at 9 a.m., Wave 2 at 9:30 a.m., Wave 3 at 10 a.m., and the Lil’ Gobbler kids fun run at 10:15 a.m., all from South High School by Washington Park.

Can you register for the Washington Park Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning?

Yes. Race day registration opens at 7:30 a.m. at the tents in front of South High School, 1700 E Louisiana Ave. The base price rises $5 on race day and shirt sizes are not guaranteed, so registering online before Nov. 20 costs less.

Where is the closest free turkey trot in South Denver?

The Southmoor Park Fun Run in Denver is free, with a suggested $20 donation per family for the Southmoor Elementary pantry and backpack program. It starts at 10 a.m. from the park entrance off Oneida Street and Peach Way and covers about 1.2 miles.

Is the Gobble Wobble in Littleton sold out?

Yes. As of Nov. 11, 2026, the Gobble Wobble Run registration page shows the event as full, and the race does not offer race day registration. The TD5K in Highlands Ranch and the Parker Turkey Day 5K still had spots open.