Turkey trots near Fredericksburg offer a fun way to get the family moving before Thanksgiving dinner in 2026. Thanksgiving races around Fredericksburg offer everything from short trots for little legs to scenic runs for families ready to go the distance. Whether you run, walk or cheer from the sidelines, these events can become a holiday tradition.
For more ways to spend time together, explore these kid-friendly hikes.
Key Takeaways
- The YMCA Tot Trot offers a quarter-mile race for children ages 1 to 5.
- Crow’s Nest has distances by grade; YMCA and FredVegas offer kids’ mile races.
- Walkers are welcome at the YMCA 5K, Lake Anna and FredVegas.
- The YMCA 5K and FredVegas welcome strollers.
- For the YMCA Thanksgiving Day races, register and collect packets before race day.
Important: Events are listed by date. Check registration pages for current prices, availability and race-day instructions.
Turkey Trots Near Fredericksburg: Find Your Family’s Fit
- Best for the youngest runners: The YMCA Tot Trot is for ages 1 to 5.
- Best for school-age kids: Crow’s Nest offers distances by grade, and both YMCA and FredVegas have kids’ mile races.
- Best for walkers: Try the YMCA 5K, Lake Anna or FredVegas.
- Best for stroller crews: The YMCA 5K and FredVegas welcome strollers.
Crow’s Nest Turkey Trot – Stafford
Bring your turkey hats and join the community at Crow’s Nest Elementary School. Children participate in distances organized by grade: a quarter-mile for kindergarten through second grade, a half-mile for third through fifth grade, 1 mile for middle schoolers and 2 miles for high schoolers. Parents can register, too.
- When: Saturday, Nov. 21. Heats begin at 9 a.m.; confirm your assigned start time.
- Where: Crow’s Nest Elementary School, 80 Black Hawk Drive, Stafford
- Cost: $25 per participant, plus registration fees.
- Good to know: The shirt deadline is Oct. 31. Registration without a shirt continues through Nov. 13.
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YMCA Tot Trot – Fredericksburg
Tiny trotters get their own turn on the track! This quarter-mile event welcomes children ages 1 to 5. A parent may accompany their child.
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 4 p.m.
- Where: James Monroe High School track, 2300 Washington Ave., Fredericksburg
- Cost: Check the registration page for current pricing. The $15 early registration rate ends Oct. 30.
- Good to know: The Tot Trot takes place the day before Thanksgiving.
YMCA Thanksgiving Day Races – Fredericksburg
Start Thanksgiving with a run or walk through downtown. Children ages 12 and younger can enter the kids’ mile, while families can tackle the 5K together, with finishers receiving medals. Strollers and walkers are welcome.
- When: Thursday, Nov. 26. Kids’ mile heats begin at 7 a.m.; 5K waves begin at 7:30 a.m.
- Where: James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Ave., Fredericksburg
- Cost: $40 for the 5K and $20 for the kids’ mile through Nov. 14; prices increase afterward.
- Good to know: There is no race-day registration or packet pickup. Please pick up packets Nov. 24 or 25. Families running together should select the same 5K wave.
- Parking is not available at JMHS on race morning; allow an extra 15–20 minutes to walk from nearby lots.
Lake Anna Turkey Trot – Spotsylvania
Get outside after Thanksgiving with a scenic outing at Lake Anna State Park. Choose a trail 5K or challenge yourself with a 10K or half-marathon combining trails and paved roads. Walkers are welcome.
- When: Friday, Nov. 27. Half-marathon, 9:30 a.m.; 5K and 10K, 10 a.m.
- Where: Lake Anna State Park, 6800 Lawyers Road, Spotsylvania
- Cost: $33.63 for the 5K, $49.64 for the 10K and $70.99 for the half-marathon, including listed mandatory fees through Nov. 14.
- Good to know: Park admission is separate unless you have a qualifying park pass. There is no separate kids’ dash, so consider your child’s stamina and comfort on trails.
- Race-day registration is available at higher rates, with packet pickup at the event. Walkers should note that the half-marathon has a time limit of 3 hours, 15 minutes.
FredVegas Turkey Trot – Fredericksburg
Keep the holiday weekend moving with a riverside run. This event offers a 5K, 10K and kids’ 1-mile race, with walkers and strollers welcome.
- When: Saturday, Nov. 28.
- Kids’ mile: 7:30 a.m.
- 10K: 7:45 a.m.
- 5K: 8 a.m.
- Where: Old Mill Park, 2410 Caroline St., Fredericksburg
- Cost: $33.63 for the 5K and $49.64 for the 10K through Nov. 14; the kids’ mile is $22.95 through Nov. 27. Prices include listed mandatory fees.
- Good to know: Race-day registration is available at higher rates, with packet pickup at the event.
Keep the holiday fun going! Find festive outings in our guide to holiday lights near Fredericksburg.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Fredericksburg YMCA Turkey Trot?
The YMCA Turkey Trot takes place Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26. Kids’ mile heats begin at 7 a.m., followed by 5K waves beginning at 7:30 a.m. The Tot Trot is Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 4 p.m.
Which turkey trot is best for younger children?
The YMCA Tot Trot is a quarter-mile race for children ages 1 to 5, with a parent permitted to accompany them. Crow’s Nest also offers a quarter-mile race for kindergarten through second grade.
Are walkers and strollers welcome?
Walkers are welcome at the YMCA 5K, Lake Anna Turkey Trot and FredVegas Turkey Trot. FredVegas and the YMCA 5K welcome strollers. Check stroller policies directly with other organizers before registering.
Are there turkey trots in Stafford and Spotsylvania?
Yes. Crow’s Nest Turkey Trot takes place in Stafford on Nov. 21, and Lake Anna Turkey Trot takes place in Spotsylvania on Nov. 27.
Can we register for the YMCA Turkey Trot on race day?
No. The YMCA does not offer race-day registration or packet pickup. Pick up race packets at James Monroe High School on Nov. 24 or 25.
Does Lake Anna Turkey Trot registration include park admission?
No. Participants must pay the park entrance fee separately or use a qualifying park pass.



