The Thanksgiving Day 5K starts at 8:45 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, at Sherando High School, with kids' runs from 8 a.m. There is no race-day registration.

The Thanksgiving Day 5K is Frederick County’s turkey trot, and this year it starts at 8:45 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, on the Sherando High School track in Stephens City, with kids’ races from 8 a.m. Registration is on RunSignup, where the 5K costs $38.10 including fees until Nov. 21; there is no race-day sign-up.

Updated Nov. 14: RunSignup showed 209 spots left in the 5K, 10 in the ages 6-7 fun run and 38 in the ages 8-9 run.

Last checked 2026-11-14.

Upcoming dates

  • Thu. Nov. 26, 8 a.m., Tot Trot (ages 2-5)
  • Thu. Nov. 26, 8:05 a.m., Kids Fun Run (ages 6-7)
  • Thu. Nov. 26, 8:15 a.m., Kids Fun Run (ages 8-9)
  • Thu. Nov. 26, 8:45 a.m., Thanksgiving Day 5K

The race is held once a year on Thanksgiving morning. It is part of the RunAtTheTop race series run by Frederick County Parks and Recreation, 540-665-5678. Proceeds benefit the Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter (WATTS).

Where it is and parking

The start and finish are on the track at Sherando High School, 185 S. Warrior Drive, Stephens City, south of Winchester off Interstate 81. The certified 5K course covers the track, pavement and the woodland trails of Sherando Park, next to the school, and it is chip timed.

The organizer’s race FAQ lists these lots, each less than a quarter mile from the track:

  • Sherando High School staff lot
  • Sherando High School student lot
  • Sherando Park pool lot
  • Sherando Park Rotary Shelter lot, near the soccer fields

A field on Lakeview Circle in Sherando Park is about half a mile from the track. Enter through the school or the park. Gates close at 8:30 a.m. The school lots reopen once the last runner has passed them, and the park lots stay shut until at least 9:45 or 10 a.m., after runners clear the pool lot. The organizer expects a large crowd and says to arrive early.

Tickets and cost

Registration is online only. The fees RunSignup lists, including its charges:

  • Thanksgiving Day 5K (ages 6 and up): $38.10; the price goes up after 11:59 p.m. Nov. 21
  • Kids Fun Run (ages 6-7 or 8-9): $20.08; the price goes up after Nov. 21
  • Tot Trot (ages 2-5): $13.72; registration closes Nov. 26

The organizer says the race has sold out the last two years because the course can take only so many runners, and registration closes when it fills. Spectators do not need a ticket and can watch along the course and at the finish.

What to know

  • Packet pickup is at Sherando High School from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, and Wednesday, Nov. 25, and from 7 to 8 a.m. on race day. Someone else may pick up your packet (packet pickup page).
  • What 5K entry includes: a finisher medal, a mini pie, live music and chip timing with instant results. Long-sleeve shirts were guaranteed to those who signed up by Oct. 25 and are now while supplies last.
  • Kids’ races are untimed: a dash of about 110 yards for the Tot Trot, 1.5 laps of the track for ages 6-7 and 2.5 laps for ages 8-9. Every child gets a medal.
  • Time limit: 1 hour 15 minutes for the 5K.
  • Awards go to the top three men and women and the top male and female masters runners, right after the 5K.
  • Water is at the finish only; there are no aid stations on the course. Restrooms are at the track.
  • No gear check. Lock valuables in your car.
  • Dogs, strollers and headphones: the organizer follows Road Runners Club of America advice that strongly advises against all three.

For the rest of the holiday weekend, from trash pickup changes to the Holiday Parade on Nov. 30, see our Thanksgiving guide.

Dates and venues as listed on the Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Thanksgiving Day 5K near Winchester?

The 5K starts at 8:45 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, at Sherando High School in Stephens City. The Tot Trot starts at 8 a.m. and the kids’ fun runs at 8:05 and 8:15 a.m.

Can I register for the Thanksgiving Day 5K on race day?

No. The organizer says there is no race-day registration, and the race has sold out the last two years, so sign up early on RunSignup.

How much is the Thanksgiving Day 5K?

RunSignup lists the 5K at $38.10, including a $3.10 fee, until 11:59 p.m. Nov. 21, when the price goes up. The kids’ fun runs are $20.08 and the Tot Trot is $13.72.

Where do I park for the Thanksgiving Day 5K?

Use the Sherando High School staff and student lots or the Sherando Park pool and Rotary Shelter lots, all within a quarter mile of the track. Gates close at 8:30 a.m.

Are dogs and strollers allowed in the Thanksgiving Day 5K?

The organizer follows Road Runners Club of America advice that strongly advises against strollers, dogs and headphones in races.