Love to run? Love to walk? Love friendly competition? Or maybe you love getting a free t-shirt, medal, and drinks/snacks at the end of a fun run? Keep reading!

It’s that time of year where turkey trots or holiday fun runs are here! The air is crisp and cool, and these are often family affairs where you can create memories or get in some exercise before you feast on some yummy holiday food. Waco has a few upcoming races to join in on, whether it’s a kids fun run, 1k, 5k, or 10k! Load up those strollers for your littles, put on your running shoes, and pack some water. Here are some local races in our area:

1. HEB Cameron Park Zoo Stampede | November 9th. They offer a kids fun run, 1k, 5k, and 10k. Located at the Cameron Park Zoo. The kids fun run and 1k will begin at 8am followed by the 10k at 8:30am, and the 5k beginning at 8:45am. Pricing is the following: 1k-$25, 5k-$45, and 10k-$65. Prices will increase on November 8th and you are guaranteed a t-shirt if you register by October 28th. The kids will love this one because you wander all around the zoo while seeing all the beautiful animals. Bonus: in honor of the new penguins, wear your best black and white attire! Snag your spot today!
2. Central Texas Turkey Trot | November 23rd. Located at Brazos Park East, come join the 19th annual run! All proceeds from the Turkey Troy benefit Altrusa’s Waco community partnerships, including The Cove and our See Before You Can Read eyeglasses project. This event includes a 5k and 10k which begins at 9am. The fees for these races are $35 for the 5k and $45 for the 10k. This race is also supporting The Shepherd’s Heart, so it is encouraged to bring canned goods to the day of the race!
3. Poultry in Motion: Waco Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot | November 28th. The theme is burn those thighs before the pies! 😉 Located in downtown Waco at Indian Springs Park and ending at the Waco Suspension bridge. They are offering a 1k fun run/walk and a 5k race where race participants are highly encouraged to dress their best in a Thanksgiving related costume. Best costume wins a special award! If you would like a t-shirt, order by November 15th. Kids 10 and under costs $25, the 1k for 11 and up is $35, and the 5k is $40. All proceeds will benefit Community Cancer Association. They also created a “side dish” option this year where a buddy can sign up last minute for an untimed race with no t-shirt for only $25. Awards ceremony will begin roughly at 9:30am.
4. The Jolly Jog | December 7th. Located in Mart, TX just outside of Waco. This race includes a 1 mile fun run and a 5k. Begins at 8:30am. The fun run is $15 and the 5k is $20. This race precedes the Annual Mart Christmas parade and other fun festivities. Stick around after if you’d like!

If you know of any annual holiday fun runs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Waco Moms. We are always looking to share the most comprehensive information so we can spread the word to our local community!

Fingers crossed the Texas weather will actually cooperate and we’ll have cooler temps for these upcoming races! Don’t forget to tag us @WacoMoms as you share your adventures on social media.