Hours before the turkey is carved and casseroles and pies are served, more than 9,000 people will flock to downtown Cleveland for the 43rd annual Cleveland Turkey Trot presented by Onyx Health Club to participate in a one-mile fun walk, a 5K, and a five-mile race. Others will come to cheer family members on or enjoy what has become a holiday tradition for many.

Starting at the Free Stamp on Lakeside Avenue, the race will take participants past some of Cleveland’s most iconic landmarks.

“Turkey Trots are the most popular road race in the country, with events in all 50 states,” says race director Joe Neroni. “The first one took place back in 1896 in Buffalo. Six guys lined up to run in their first annual Turkey Trot, and [today] that’s become the biggest Turkey Trot in the country.”

Cleveland’s own Turkey Trot has grown every year since its founding in 1981. “It started back in the Cleveland Metroparks,” Neroni explains. “The race evolved—it went to Burke Lakefront Airport, the Galleria [at Erieview], and now [we’re in] our current home at Public Hall. The number of races also evolved from just a five-mile and one-mile race. A number of years ago, we added the 5K.”

Timing is everything

Bring your dog to Turkey TrotThe three Turkey Trot races have staggered start times. The one-mile fun walk starts at 8:45 a.m. and the 5K and five-mile races start at 9:30 a.m.

All races begin beside the Free Stamp, 601 Lakeside Ave. “The courses take runners on kind of a tour through downtown Cleveland and Ohio City,” Neroni says. “You pass some of the landmarks like Progressive Field, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and the West Side Market.”

Public Hall opens at 7 a.m. for race-day packet pick-up, bag check, and pre-race activities, 500 Lakeside Ave., but Neroni encouraged participants to arrive early.

“We always advise runners to get there as early as they can so they can find parking, go inside Public Hall, and see all the activities going on,” he says, adding that there is no age limit and onlookers are encouraged—it is a family tradition, after all, so he says participants should bring grandma, the kiddos, and even the dog.

Every participant will receive a long-sleeved race shirt and a finisher medal, with awards available for top finishers in the 5K and five-mile races. “The top male and female in the one-mile race each win a pumpkin pie,” Neroni adds.

Running with fun

In addition to the athletic portion of the races, runners and spectators can enjoy the festive atmosphere at Turkey Trot.

“We’ve got DJ Kyro from the Cleveland Guardians spinning music at the start line and the finish line,” Neroni says, but that’s not all Turkey Trot has to offer.

“The band Mossom will be playing live the whole time—they’ve been with us for a couple of years,” he teases. “There are inflatable turkeys, photo opportunities, and a lot of announcements throughout the morning.”

Dress for the day

Turkey Trot Costumes, 2023In keeping with family traditions, the annual Turkey Trot Costume Contest encourages everyone—from runners to onlookers, to the family pets—to dress in creative and fun costumes. Individuals, teams, and four-legged pets are all welcome.

“The costumes are just amazing,” Neroni says. “I can’t believe people run in some of them.”

This year, FreshWater Cleveland is hosting the Turkey Trot Costume Contest. The contest is open in both human and pet divisions, and FreshWater will award prizes to the winner in each division. Find out how to enter, vote for your favorite costume and check out the winners at FreshWater’s Turkey Trot page.

Supporting local charities

This year, eight charities are involved, including the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Fostering Hope, and the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.

“Part of the reason these organizations get involved is that we help promote them and get the word out about their missions,” Neroni says.

Participants are encouraged to bring canned goods and non-perishable items to donate at collection boxes inside Public Hall. “We deliver those donations to St. Augustine’s as well as the West Side Catholic Center,” Neroni explains. “It’s usually some sort of a truckload of food, and it really makes an impact.”

Tips

• Arrive early: Public Hall opens at 7 a.m. and parking fills up quickly.
• Plan ahead: Use the bag check inside Public Hall to store belongings securely.
• Dress appropriately: Cleveland’s weather can be unpredictable, so wear layers under your costumes.
• Bring the family: “We see everything from strollers to dogs at the race,” Neroni said.
• Fuel up: Eat a light breakfast before the race.

“It’s really about starting the day with smiles, laughter, and traditions,” Neroni says. “You can’t ask for a better way to kick off the holiday.”