Never miss what is happening in Monmouth County
Events, new openings and weekend plans from every corner of Monmouth County. Straight to your inbox, free.
Thanksgiving in Monmouth County comes with plenty of chances to earn that second slice of pie. From a trail race in Howell to fun runs on the Bradley Beach boardwalk and a classic 5K down Main Street in Matawan, here are the turkey trots on the calendar between November 15 and November 28, 2026.
Vote now
Howell Turkey Trot
- Town: Howell
- Where: 300 Preventorium Road, Howell, NJ 07731
- When: Sunday, November 15, 2026, 9 a.m. (race day check-in starts at 8 a.m.)
- Cost: $25 for the 5K or the 2 mile fun run and walk
The earliest trot of the season runs on the trail that connects Oak Glen Park to the Manasquan Reservoir, so expect a scenic, wooded course rather than busy streets. With both a 5K and a 2 mile run and walk, it is an easy pick for families and first timers who want to get moving before the holiday rush.
Manasquan Turkey Trot
- Town: Manasquan
- Where: Manasquan Little League Baseball Field, 69 Second Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736
- When: Saturday, November 21, 2026. One mile run at 10 a.m., five mile race at 11 a.m.
Now in its 43rd year, the Manasquan Turkey Trot is one of the Shore’s longest running Thanksgiving traditions. The one mile run starts on First Avenue north of Ocean Avenue and the five mile race starts on First Avenue south of East Main Street, so much of the action happens close to the beach. Registration has already hit its limit and there is no race day sign up or waitlist, but the course is a great one to cheer from, and runners can mark their calendars for next fall.
Bradley Beach Turkey Trot
- Town: Bradley Beach
- Where: Bradley Beach Gazebo on the boardwalk at Ocean Avenue and Fifth Avenue, 101 Fifth Avenue, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
- When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day). Opening ceremony at 8:15 a.m., race at 8:30 a.m.
- Cost: $35
This 2 mile fun run and walk along the ocean is all about good cheer: there are no bibs and no official timing, and turkey and Thanksgiving themed costumes are encouraged. All proceeds go to the Mercy Center in Asbury Park to help feed neighbors in need during the holidays, and last year’s event raised $15,000. Registration closes Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m. Organizers recommend picking up shirts on Wednesday, November 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Darcy’s Tavern, with race morning pickup from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Run Your Giblets Off Turkey Trot
- Town: Holmdel
- Where: Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
- When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day). 5K runner waves at 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., walkers at 9:45 a.m., kids run at 10:45 a.m.
- Cost: $45 for the 5K run or walk, $30 for the kids run
Holmdel’s big Thanksgiving morning 5K starts and finishes at Bell Works, with separate waves for faster runners, everyone else and walkers, plus a kids run with a custom finisher medal. There is no race day packet pickup, so plan ahead: pickup is Sunday, November 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Road Runner Sports in Shrewsbury, or Wednesday, November 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bell Works. Register by November 11 to guarantee your shirt size.
Matawan 5K Turkey Trot and Fitness Walk
- Town: Matawan
- Where: Starts and finishes on Main Street; packet pickup at the Matawan Borough Municipal and Community Center, 201 Broad Street, Matawan, NJ 07747
- When: Saturday, November 28, 2026, 8:30 a.m.
- Cost: $35 online through November 19, $40 on race day (cash only)
Matawan’s certified 5K closes out the holiday weekend with a run or walk through downtown. Net proceeds support the borough’s parks, beautification projects and recreation programs, and you can add an optional donation to the Matawan Food Pantry when you register. Early packet pickup is Friday, November 27 from 9 a.m. to noon, and race day pickup starts at 7:15 a.m. Awards go to the top three overall finishers and the top three in each age group.
Spots fill fast at the Shore, so register early and double check start times on each race page before you go. For more holiday events and things to do, keep following Shop Monmouth County.
Photo: Ryan Loughlin, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Get Monmouth County in your inbox
The best events, new openings and things to do, once a week. Free.
