The Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K starts at Lake Eola on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, with costumes, a turkey-call contest and a free kids’ run. Registration is $45 through Nov. 21, then it goes up.
Quick Facts
- When: Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving), 5K starts at 8 a.m.
- Where: Lake Eola Park, 227 N. Eola Drive, Orlando, FL 32801
- Cost: $45 through Nov. 21, then $50 race week, plus processing fees; the Tot Trot is free
- Benefits: Seniors First, which runs Meals on Wheels in Central Florida
If your Thanksgiving plan is mostly eating, here’s a way to get a head start. Track Shack’s Seniors First Turkey Trot is in its 37th year. It’s 3.1 miles starting and finishing at Lake Eola Park, and Track Shack says more than 5,000 runners, joggers and walkers usually turn out, many in full costume or turkey hats.
It’s not a serious race. Track Shack calls it non-competitive and non-scored, and only the top five men and top five women get awards. Everyone else gets a finisher medal and a T-shirt, and you can check the clock at the finish line if you’re curious.
The fun stuff starts early
Costume judging starts at 7 a.m. by the Track Shack registration tent, with prizes for best group, couple and individual. Best Turkey Call judging follows at 7:45 a.m. by the start line. The 5K goes off at 8 a.m., and there’s an award for the oldest participant.
Kids get their own free Tot Trot at 9:15 a.m., with runs from 100 to 400 yards by age group and a ribbon for every finisher. Kids’ registration opens race week.
About that price window
Adult registration is $45 through Saturday, Nov. 21, and $50 race week, plus processing fees. Ages 17 and under and 65 and over get $10 off. Groups of three or more who sign up online in one transaction get 15% off with the code friendsandfamily, but you can’t stack it with the age discount. Entry fees are non-refundable. There’s also a virtual option if you’d rather run your own route.
Before race day
Pick up your bib and shirt at Track Shack on Mills Avenue. Hours are Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Monday, Nov. 23 through Wednesday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. The shop is closed Sunday, Nov. 22. You can also pick up at the race starting at 6:30 a.m. Bring a photo ID or your check-in pass.
Parking downtown on a holiday morning is limited to side streets and paid garages, including the Lake Eola garage at 133 E. Robinson St. Leave strollers, scooters, bikes and pets at home; they aren’t allowed on the course.
Why We’re Hyped
A costume contest, a turkey-call competition and a 5K at Lake Eola make for a pretty good Thanksgiving warm-up. The money goes to Seniors First’s work feeding older neighbors. If you’re going to do it, register by Nov. 21 to get the lower price.
The Details
- Event: Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K, presented by HUB, produced by Track Shack
- Date and time: Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026; costume judging 7 a.m., turkey-call judging 7:45 a.m., 5K at 8 a.m., free Tot Trot at 9:15 a.m.
- Location: Lake Eola Park, 227 N. Eola Drive, Orlando, FL 32801
- Registration: $45 through Nov. 21; $50 race week; processing fees apply; in person or virtual
- Discounts: $10 off ages 17 and under or 65 and over; 15% off three or more registered online together (code friendsandfamily), not combinable
- Includes: T-shirt and finisher medal
- Bib pickup: Track Shack, 1104 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803; Nov. 21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Nov. 23–25, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; closed Nov. 22; race-morning pickup from 6:30 a.m.
- Parking: Limited street parking and paid garages, including Lake Eola Parking Garage, 133 E. Robinson St.
- Benefits: Seniors First, Inc., including Meals on Wheels
- Official info: Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K · Seniors First
