Mark your calendars for the annual Thanksgiving run OKC Turkey Tracks, which takes place Nov. 23 —Turkey Day itself. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a casual walker, this festive event is open to all. Here’s what you need to know before the races:
Two distances, one festive run
Choose between the 5K and 1-mile courses to kickstart your Thanksgiving morning, and get the blood flowing and the stomach prepared for whatever grand feast may await you later in the day.
Runners, walkers and even strollers are welcome, but if you plan to bring children along, position yourselves toward the back of the pack and stay to the right side of the course. Safety is key, and this arrangement ensures that all participants can enjoy the race without ruffling feathers.
Thanksgiving attire covered
No need to worry about your Thanksgiving outfit: Registered participants will receive an exclusive windbreaker to keep warm in the brisk November air. Plus, there’ll be a commemorative Thanksgiving-themed finisher’s medal to proudly showcase your achievement.
Cruising the course
The race course sends runners through the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, starting with the 1-mile race, which kicks off at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K following at 9 a.m. This USATF-certified route takes participants on a journey through the city’s scenic streets.
Starting downtown, just north of Fifth Street on Harvey Avenue, the course heads up to 12th Street through Midtown. From there, it’s a left turn towards Hudson Avenue, then a right, continuing through Heritage Hills to 22nd Street. Afterward, racers will take a right and head to Broadway, where another right turn awaits. Finally, participants will make a right turn on 12th Street, following it back to Harvey Avenue, where racers take a left to finish the course with a downhill sprint.
Corral start system for a safe race
To ensure a safe and enjoyable race experience for all, the OKC Turkey Tracks 5K will use a multiple corral start system. Assigned corrals (either A or B) are based on the race pace provided during registration. This approach groups participants with similar paces, reducing congestion on the course and creating a smoother flow.
Corrals A and B start approximately four minutes apart. Assigned corrals will be indicated on participants’ race bib and can be double-checked by logging into an individual’s EnMotive race registration account. Once staged, racers are allowed to move back in corrals but not forward.
Packet pickup and race day info
Before race day, participants can pick up their race packet Nov. 21 and 22 at Red Coyote Classen Curve from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. respectively. On race day, head downtown near the start/finish area by Fifth and Harvey. Signs will guide participants, and the pickup window is from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Race day registration is also available for those last-minute decision-makers.
Since 2012, the Oklahoma City Turkey Tracks races have become a Thanksgiving tradition. Whether racing for a personal best or simply enjoying a scenic stroll, this event should embody the spirit of togetherness that elevates the holiday. Visit okcturkeytracks.com for more details and registration.
