Isiah Christie 
Even with the weather cooling down, the 5K running season is still going strong. From festive turkey trots to non-profit runs, there are plenty of events to keep the blood flowing and community activities going. Continue reading to see a list of Turkey Trots + 5Ks happening in Hoboken, Montclair, Bergen County, + more for 2025. Don’t forget: you can submit your community events to our calendar HERE.
Disclaimer: This is a community resource. Submit events HERE and view the full calendar HERE. The Local Girl is not affiliated with hosting unless explicitly stated.
Hero 5K | Bergen Community College, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus
Sunday, November 2nd | 8:30AM
This run/walk will be held in support of Bergen Community College’s student veterans and held on the college campus. Awards will be presented for general and age group-based achievements. Strollers are also welcome. The first 300 people to register will get a free shirt.
Read More: A Guide to Festive Fall Beverages in Hoboken
RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils 5K Run + Walk | 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange
Sunday, November 2nd | 6:30PM
This New Jersey Devils-sponsored event offers two participation options: a scenic wellness walk and a competitive 5K race. All proceeds will go towards RWJBarnabas Health, a New Jersey healthcare network.
After the race, participants can enjoy festivities at the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. Admission is free for all, and virtual participation is also available. Those who participate virtually will enjoy supportive audio messages from New Jersey Devils players and RWJBarnabas Health patients. Virtual participants will also receive free access to Turtle Back Zoo from November 3rd to December 30th.
The NY Skyline Half, 10K, and 5K | 200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City
Saturday, November 15th | 9:30AM
This run festival will occur in Liberty State Park with a view of the New York City skyline. Live timing and tracking will be available for runners to see their progress on a digital map, and live streaming and photography will be offered for all. Plenty of handouts will also be given, from celebratory t-shirts to complementary food and beverages.
Hoboken’s Annual Turkey Trot 5K | Pier A Park, 100 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
Saturday, November 22nd | 9AM
This event will be hosted by Winning Events Group, featuring various types of runs, including scenic route walks and accurately timed competitive runs. Professional race photography will be present to capture participant finishes, and hot chocolate will be offered to keep the vibes cozy.
Two Towns Turkey Trot 2025 | South Mountain Reservation Lollipop Loop – Crest Drive, South Orange
Saturday, November 22nd | 9AM
This scenic 5K race kicks off at 10AM and is followed by an awards ceremony at 10:50 AM. Prizes are awarded to top finishers, and there will be a 0.25-mile kids’ fun run.
Bordentown Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk | 323 Ward Avenue, Bordentown
Saturday, November 22nd | 9AM
A fundraiser held to support the city’s community and future events, this turkey trot is a flat and fast USATF-certified 5k run. T-shirts will be handed out, and post-race refreshments will be available. Overall and age group awards will conclude the event. An HD finish line video, chip timing, and live text messaging with race stats will also be available for interested runners.
Rock Ridge Turkey Trot 5K | 53 Entrance Way, Denville
Sunday, November 23rd | 9AM
The 6th annual Rock Ridge turkey trot will be available to all and offer goodies after the run. A kids’ fun run will also be hosted at 10AM for a short sprint-style race, with prizes available afterwards. Food donations are also being accepted and will go to local food pantries.
Bayonne Turkey Trot 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run | Bayonne County Park, 930 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Bayonne
Thursday, November 27th | 9AM
Bayonne’s communal 5K run will be held at the scenic County Park. Shirts are given to celebrate finishing participants, and Thanksgiving-themed photo ops are also available. Walkers and strollers are also welcome.
Leonia Turkey Trot 2025 | 305 Beechwood Place, Leonia
Thursday, November 27th | 7:00AM
This event will feature a 5K run/walk starting at 8AM and a 1-mile race at 9AM. An award ceremony will be held after the fitness festivities at 9:45AM.
Jersey City’s Turkey Day 5K + 1 Mile Fun Run | Colgate Clock, 105 Hudson Street, Jersey City
Thursday, November 27th | 9AM
This run along the Jersey City waterfront is held in support of local charities and is a great opportunity to burn some calories pre-feast. Professional photography will be present at the event, and age group awards will be given. At the end will be a finish zone with food, water, and other goodies.
Run Your Giblets Off Turkey Trot | Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel
Thursday, November 27th | 9AM
A pre-event selection is available for this turkey trot, with options to participate in a walk or run. Participants will receive a long-sleeve “Run Your Giblets Off” shirt and a 10th Anniversary Finisher Medal, exclusive to this year’s event. Bottled water and sponsored goodies will be provided, and an award + raffle ceremony will be held as well. This event will occur regardless of weather conditions, so participants are encouraged to dress accordingly.
The Racefaster Thanksgiving Day Run | 390 Doremus Avenue, Glen Rock
Thursday, November 27th | 9AM–11AM
This USATF-certified race throughout the streets of Glen Rock will be for two hours. Their kids’ fun run will start at 9:45AM, with medals handed out to participants. Afterwards, free photo opportunities and overall winner announcements will be made to celebrate and conclude the event.
Mountain Lakes Turkey Trot | Wildwood Elementary School, 51 Glen Road, Mountain Lakes
Thursday, November 27th | 9AM–11:30AM
The Lakeland Family Hills YMCA will host 2025’s edition of Mountain Lakes’ turkey trot, with opportunities to run, walk, and cheer on participants. A DJ will headline the event, and fall-festive snacks will be available, including hot chocolate. Participants aged 2 and under receive free admission.
Those who register before November 10th receive a free commemorative T-shirt. Strollers are welcome, but small vehicles and pets are prohibited.
2025 CEA/Johanna Foods Turkey Trot | Court Street Park, 43 Park Avenue, Flemington
Thursday, November 27th | 9:30AM–11:30AM
This historic turkey trot consists of a 5K run and a 2M walk through Flemington, New Jersey. Funds that go towards the event are raised for CEA New Jersey, a community mission that supports students and adults with disabilities.
Westfield Turkey Trot | Tamaques Park, Lamberts Mill Road, Westfield
Saturday, November 29th | 9AM
This non-profit run is enjoying its 42nd anniversary and will provide plenty of family-friendly activities alongside the races. It will open up with a competitive “5280 run” around the park, which is for participants aged 15+. Afterwards is the “PracticeHard Mile”, designed for all ages and offering awards to those aged 14 and under.
The main 5-mile turkey trot will headline the event at 11:15AM, and corresponding awards will be given out at 12:30PM. Aside from the runs, visitors can enjoy hot soup and bagels, a carnival prize wheel, face painting, and music. Specialty tees are also provided to run participants, and free photo downloads are available.
See More: A Guide to Fall Festivals at the Jersey Shore for 2025
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