As kitchens across Folsom prepare for the scent of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie, thousands of runners are lacing up for another cherished Thanksgiving tradition — the annual Folsom Turkey Trot. The community’s favorite holiday race returns on Thursday, November 27, once again inviting families and fitness enthusiasts to start the day on a healthy and charitable note.
More than 4,000 participants are expected to take part in this year’s event, which features a 5K run/walk, a 10K run, and a family fun run through Folsom’s scenic park areas and trails. The courses begin at Rodeo Park and Lions Park, 200 Stafford Street, offering participants a picturesque route that showcases Folsom’s natural beauty — including a stretch along the Johnny Cash Trail. The 10K begins at 8:50 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9 a.m.
Organizers are encouraging early registration, as the Turkey Trot traditionally sells out weeks before race day. Early registration, which began in June, has now moved into its general phase, with entry fees currently $36 through November 9. Late registration will rise to $41 after that date. All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt with their registration.
Packet pickup, including race bibs and timing chips, will take place Wednesday, November 26 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma Street. Participants may also pick up their packets race morning from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m., but organizers recommend arriving early or taking advantage of the day-before pickup to avoid delays.
The Turkey Trot is more than a run — it’s a fundraiser that supports several meaningful local causes. Proceeds benefit the Twin Lakes Food Bank, the Folsom Athletic Association’s Youth Assistance Fund, and the Johnny Cash Trail Project.
The Twin Lakes Food Bank, serving over 2,500 residents in Folsom, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills each month, continues to see increased demand for food assistance. The organization provides families with enough food to prepare up to 20 meals a month and will distribute more than 400 Thanksgiving turkey dinners to local households this season.
The Folsom Athletic Association’s Youth Assistance Fund helps ensure that all local children can participate in community sports, regardless of financial limitations. Since its creation in 1988, the fund has operated under the motto “Never in Our Town,” using earned interest from its endowment to provide scholarships for Folsom youth.
The event also highlights one of Folsom’s signature landmarks — the Johnny Cash Trail — which the 10K runners will traverse as part of their route. The trail, which features a bridge spanning Robber’s Ravine and will ultimately include a series of art installations celebrating Johnny Cash’s legacy, stands as a testament to Folsom’s cultural and recreational spirit.
Whether running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, participants in the Folsom Turkey Trot embody the spirit of Thanksgiving by giving back and celebrating community togetherness.
To register or learn more about the event, visit folsomturkeytrot.com.
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