Chester County Turkey Trot
Thu, Nov 26, 2026, 2:40 AM EST
- Type
- Walk
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
Kick off Thanksgiving with a festive 5K or walk, supporting childhood cancer research and a beloved community tradition.
- Fun
- Competitive
- Festive
- For a Cause
Fun
Competitive
Festive
For a CauseGreat for
- Family Friendly
Family FriendlyCelebrate Thanksgiving morning with the Chester County Turkey Trot, a cherished community tradition for 25 years. This event brings together friends and family for a social 5K run, 2K walk, and kids' fun run. It's a wonderful opportunity to start your holiday with movement while supporting a meaningful cause. Proceeds benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, contributing to childhood cancer research and honoring the legacy of Cameron Evans through the Cure4Cam Hero Fund. Join thousands of runners for a festive and impactful start to your holiday.
What to expect
- Enjoy a 5K run with distinct waves for different paces, a 2K walk, or a kids' fun run.
- Technical running shirts are guaranteed for the first 2,000 registrants.
- Top finishers in the 5K Gold Wave can earn cash prizes and Thanksgiving pies.
Standout details
- Supports Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
- Thanksgiving Day tradition
- Cash prizes and pies for top finishers
- Technical shirts for first 2,000
Perks & features
- Awards
AwardsFrom the public listing; confirm on the official site.
Distances & registration
3 optionsUse the official signup link above for all distances.
5K
2 options · closes Nov 26, 2026, 4:00 AM EST
6mo 27d 19h 44m leftGold Wave 5k Run
Closes Nov 26, 2026, 4:00 AM EST · From $35.42
Blue Wave 5k Run
Closes Nov 26, 2026, 4:00 AM EST · From $35.42
2K
1 option · closes Nov 26, 2026, 4:00 AM EST
6mo 27d 19h 44m leftWalk
Closes Nov 26, 2026, 4:00 AM EST · From $35.42
Summaries use public event text. Confirm schedule, fees, and rules on the official page before you sign up.
Past race snapshot
What the field usually feels like
A plain-English read from past public results. It is helpful context, not a prediction.
Crowd
Comfortable field
239 5K finishers in 2021. A manageable crowd with enough runners for company on course.
Typical finish
21:03
Think middle-of-the-pack, using chip time when available.
Competitive feel
Lively front
The faster end moves well, but the race still has room for everyday runners. Front-group read: 16:40.
People mix
More men
About 26% women and 74% men among finishers who listed gender.
Quick read
For the 5K in 2021, this looks like a comfortable field: 239 finishers are represented here. A middle-of-the-pack finish was around 21:03. The quicker front of the field averaged about 16:40. Use it as a feel check, not a promise about race day.
Where runners came from
Aggregated city counts only. Small groups stay hidden in public views.
Downingtown, PA
Close-to-home draw
West Chester, PA
Travel draw
Chester Springs, PA
Travel draw
Exton, PA
Travel draw
Phoenixville, PA
Travel draw
Award clues
Historic placement clues only. Race-day awards can use different rules.
Female Overall
Top 5 (from posted divisions)
Male Overall
Top 5 (from posted divisions)
Female 11 - 12
Top 2 (from posted divisions)
Female 13 - 14
Top 2 (from posted divisions)
Female 15 - 16
Top 2 (from posted divisions)
Show the year-by-year numbers
| Distance | Year | Finishers | Typical | Average | Front 10% | Fastest M / W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | 2021 | 239 | 21:03 | 24:03 | 16:40 | 14:53 / 15:57 |
Last summary update: May 2, 2026
From the organizer
The Chester County Turkey Trot is celebrating its 25th year and there's still nothing better than spending time with friends and family on Thanksgiving Day! We are excited to bring the community together once again for a fun social event and a great cause! Did you know that this race has helped to raise funds for childhood cancer research since 2012? Get a festive start to YOUR Thanksgiving morning at the Chester County Turkey Trot 5k Run/1mile Walk and help children facing a cancer diagnosis (through sponsorships and donations) through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). The previous race beneficiary, Cure4Cam Childhood Cancer Foundation, has transitioned to The Cure4Cam Hero Fund through ALSF.
This annual Chester County Turkey Trot, what has become a great holiday tradition for locals and their holiday guests, will be held on Thanksgiving morning at Downingtown West High School! The event is a 5k race (2 Waves* - see note below) , 2K walk, and a kids’ fun run. There's no better way to start this festive morning!! Historically, this race has gotten an impressive turnout of about 3,000 registered runners and we anticipate a break crowd of both seasoned trotters and new friends this year.
*Please note that any runners with a projected finish time of less than 25 minutes are encouraged to register for the Gold Wave! More than 25 minutes - the Blue Wave is for you!
For course map, click here.
TIME SCHEDULE:
7:40 AM Gold Wave 5k (Sub 25 Minutes 5k Cut-Off) 8:15 AM Blue Wave 5K Race 8:15 AM 2K Walk 9:00 AM Kids' Run on the Track Presented by Track Stars Youth Programs 9:15-9:30 AM Awards Ceremonies (Gold Wave/Blue Wave) Technical running shirts are guaranteed to the first 2,000 registered runners! ( No T-shirts for free Kids’ Run )
WALKERS - Please consider the 2k walk instead of the 5k Race as the course will be very crowded. ** No need to switch your event online, just start with the walkers inside the stadium. **
STROLLERS - due to the high number of participants we are strongly discouraging the use of Strollers and Baby joggers in the BLUE WAVE. ( No Strollers or Baby Joggers are allowed in the GOLD wave)
DOGS? We love our furry friends! Unfortunately, due to the crowds, no pets are allowed at the event. Thanks for understanding.
In addition to supporting the Downingtown West Cross Country team, proceeds of the race will benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Information on the Cure4Cam Hero Fund through ALSF is available here . The Cure4Cam Hero Fund is in memory of Cameron Evans, a Downingtown West teammate and friend who finished his race with leukemia in May 2012. Cameron was a gifted athlete and a compassionate, positive, and inspiring young man. His perseverance and spirit touched all of us.
AWARDS & RESULTS
Prize Money and Pies will all be available at the Prize Table following the conclusion of each race (located inside the stadium)
Prizes include:
GOLD WAVE * cash prizes only apply to Gold Wave runners
Top 5 Male and Female ($250, $150, $100, $75, $50) Top Masters Male and Female ($125) Top 3 Each Age Group : Terrific Thanksgiving Pies!!! (14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+) ** All Monetary Awards must be verified and signed for at the awards table.
BLUE WAVE
Top 3 Each Age Group : Terrific Thanksgiving Pies!!! (8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80
Thank you so much to our valued sponsors. To learn more about them, please click on the links below.