Each Thanksgiving Day, as the city gears up for family, food, and festivity, runners in Virginia Beach, VA, don their sneakers, stretch their legs, and head out for one of the most cherished local traditions: the Turkey Trots. What begins as a simple run has become a beloved ritual, weaving together fitness, fun, and a spirit of giving.
From young children wobbling beside parents to competitive runners chasing a personal best, these races reflect the full spectrum of the community. The crisp November air fills with laughter, festive costumes, and an unmistakable sense of purpose — not just to finish a race, but to support causes that matter.
Over the decades, the Turkey Trots in Virginia Beach have grown from a few local participants into major charity events, raising funds, building connections, and reinforcing a collective spirit of gratitude. Their history speaks to how a simple idea – running together on a holiday – can become something significant.
The Roots of the Turkey Trot Tradition in Virginia Beach
The concept of a Turkey Trot goes back well beyond Virginia Beach. Across the United States, Thanksgiving runs have become deeply ingrained in holiday culture. As defined more broadly, Turkey trots are foot races held on or around Thanksgiving Day, often combining festive fun with charity.
In Virginia Beach, one of the longest-running events is the Turkey Trot 10K and 1-Mile Run, organized by the Tidewater Striders. According to local coverage, this race has been held for more than 4 decades. The course typically begins and ends at the Mount Trashmore YMCA, taking runners through Windsor Woods and around Mount Trashmore City Park — a route that has become iconic in the city’s running community.
This tradition reflects more than a race. Over the years, the event has evolved into a gathering where families come together before the holiday feast, where children get their first taste of running, and where even casual walkers feel welcome. It’s a local ritual that marks the start of Thanksgiving with energy, gratitude, and connection.
Families Passing the Baton Across Generations
One of the most inspiring aspects of Turkey Trots in Virginia Beach, VA, is how they bring together people of all ages. Many families make this a Thanksgiving morning tradition: parents, grandparents, and children all tying their shoes and heading out together. This bond-building over miles fosters a sense of continuity.
For some families, the younger kids start in the 1-mile fun run while older siblings take on the 10K race. There are even stroller walkers and very young runners wobbling in the “Gobble Wobble,” making the event accessible to all ages. As those children grow older, many return year after year, and what began as a morning jog becomes a memory they carry into adulthood.
These multigenerational moments capture something special: Thanksgiving is not only about expressing gratitude, but also about celebrating togetherness. Whether someone is racing competitively or just walking with loved ones, the shared experience becomes part of family lore.
Purpose Behind the Run: Supporting Local Causes
Beyond fitness and festivity, Turkey Trots in Virginia Beach serve a larger purpose. Many of the local runs are charity-driven, raising funds for organizations that support the community in profound ways.
One such event is Charlie Normile’s Turkey Trot, held in Sandbridge, which honors Charlie and James Normile and raises money for the Navy SEAL Foundation. Another is the HOPE Turkey Trot, which benefits House of Esther, an organization that helps young homeless single mothers.
Even the longstanding Tidewater Striders 10K & 1-mile event funnels proceeds into their scholarship fund, helping support youth athletic programs. Through these races, participants carry more than their feet across the finish line — they have a deeply felt commitment to giving back and strengthening their community.
Costume Creativity and Quirky Highlights
One of the most delightful things about Turkey Trots is how festive they are. Over the years, participants in Virginia Beach, VA, have embraced costumes, adding playful character to the races. At Charlie Normile’s Trot, for instance, runners and walkers don everything from turkey-themed shirts to fun, holiday-inspired gear — and even compete for awards like “Most Iconic” costume.
Kids in the Gobble Wobble section often dress up in adorable outfits, making the race as much about giggles as about finish times. The canine crawl — a one-mile run where people bring their dogs — also brings out imaginative pet outfits, adding a cheerfully unpredictable energy.
On non-costume competition days, runners have registered memorable finishing times, personal records, or cherished the informal, warmhearted camaraderie. Over decades, these races have produced not just medals, but stories — of families, of friends, and of moments that become part of Thanksgiving folklore in the city.
Tradition in Motion: How the Event Has Evolved
Over nearly five decades, the Turkey Trot tradition in Virginia Beach, VA, has grown in scale, diversity, and meaning. What began as a relatively small gathering has evolved into multiple events each Thanksgiving season — from the main 10K and 1-mile runs to fun runs, kids’ events, and community-focused races.
Organizers continue to adapt. For example, virtual options now exist, allowing people to participate even if they are out of town or prefer to run on their own. These flexible formats help maintain the tradition while also growing its reach.
The charitable side has also strengthened. As more local nonprofits partner with organizers, the funds raised through race registrations go directly into meaningful local programs. This blend of fitness, fun, and philanthropy ensures the Turkey Trot remains not just a race, but a Thanksgiving ritual rooted in connection and generosity.
Memories That Shape the Community
Over the years, countless memories have emerged from Virginia Beach’s Turkey Trots. Some long-time runners recall their first 10K finish, while others talk about bringing newborns in strollers year after year. For many, the trot is more than just a run — it’s part of their family’s Thanksgiving story.
Some moments make people laugh: runners in turkey hats or feathered headgear, dogs in turkey costumes, and families cheering wildly at the finish line. Beyond the fun, there are tearful remembrances at charitable runs, such as people gathering in memory of loved ones like Charlie and James Normile.
These shared moments deepen the sense of community. Whether a first-time participant or a seasoned runner, everyone contributes to the collective memory. The Turkey Trots become more than events — they become traditions that people look forward to, not just for the race, but for the connection and joy they bring.
Looking Forward: The Future of Turkey Trots in Virginia Beach
The future of Turkey Trots in Virginia Beach, VA, looks bright. With strong community support, increasing participation, and ongoing charity partnerships, these races are likely to continue evolving while staying rooted in tradition.
Organizers are exploring new ways to grow involvement, whether by expanding virtual options or adding family-friendly formats. And as awareness of local causes expands, the philanthropic impact may deepen, aligning the races more closely with the community’s changing needs.
Ultimately, what makes these trotting traditions endure is not just the run itself — it is the shared spirit of gratitude, generosity, and connection. In the years ahead, Virginia Beach’s Turkey Trots will remain a powerful way to launch Thanksgiving Day, uniting people across generations in healthy, meaningful celebration.
In Virginia Beach, VA, Turkey Trots have become more than a holiday footrace. They are a living tradition — one that brings families, friends, pets, and competitors together in a shared pursuit of health, joy, and charitable impact.
These events capture the essence of Thanksgiving in motion: the gratitude we feel, the communities we support, and the ties we reinforce. Each mile honors more than personal goals — it supports causes, uplifts others, and builds memories that last.
As participants cross finish lines and gather for post-race celebrations, they carry forward a sentiment that echoes far beyond a single morning run. In these Turkey Trots, residents of Virginia Beach find purpose, connection, and a powerful expression of generosity — truly a tradition worth preserving.
Sources: running.life, racemob.com, en.wikipedia.org, findarace.com, findarace.com
Header Image Source: sandbridgelife.com
