Travel and Outdoors

Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving runs around Lakeland

You won’t find an official Turkey Trot in Lakeland, but there are plenty of fun runs and nearby races to break a seasonal sweat.

November 20, 2025 • 
Connor Jacobson
A silhouetted runner on Lake Hollingsworth at sunset

Start your Thanksgiving Day off on the right foot.

Photo by @bigmanadventures72

Looking for a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning? You won’t find an official one in Lakeland, but there are plenty of places to pick up the pace before you pick up a plate.

Thanksgiving Morning Fun Run | 6 a.m. | 6-mile run from the Southgate Shopping Center with the Lakeland Runners Club Pack

Thanksgiving Day Run | 8 a.m. | 2.8 miles around Lake Hollingsworth with Fleet Feet

Cinnamon Roll 5K | 7 a.m. | Race from Ellis-Methvin Park near downtown Plant City with celebratory cinnamon rolls

17th Annual FishHawk Turkey Trot | 8 a.m. | Timed or untimed 5K + 10K road race in Lithia

Ultra Ultras Turkey Trot | 8 a.m. | 5K from Lake Wailes Park in Lake Wales, followed by pumpkin pancakes

For your own time outdoors, here’s where we recommend. Pro tip: Non-gated city parks will be accessible on Thanksgiving.

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