Chester County Turkey Trot 2026 — Downingtown, PA

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.