O'side Turkey Trot: Oceanside's Thanksgiving Morning Run by the Beach

Overview

"Move your feet before you eat" is the whole idea, and few places do it better than the beach. The O'side Turkey Trot returns to Oceanside on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26, 2026 — Southern California's largest Turkey Trot and a North County holiday tradition since 2006. Put on by San Diego Running Co., it's a festive, family-first morning of running, walking, costumes, and community right along the coast, and it's been named one of the country's Top Trots by Runner's World and the Los Angeles Times.

The scenic 5K course is fast and flat, starting on Coast Highway near the Civic Center and finishing by the pier amphitheater on the Strand, with ocean views and a boardwalk final stretch. There's a race for everyone — two 5K waves, a Double Dip Challenge, a 5K walk, and kids' races — plus finisher medals, shirts, free photos, live entertainment, and a costume contest. Best of all, your entry gives back: the Trot has raised more than $550,000 for the San Diego Food Bank and local schools and nonprofits. Bring the whole flock.

What You Actually Need to Know

• Event: 21st Annual O'side Turkey Trot, by San Diego Running Co.
• Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving)
• Start line: 330 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside (near the Civic Center)
• Finish line: The Strand & Seagaze (by the Oceanside Pier amphitheater)
• Distances: Two 5K waves, a Double Dip Challenge (both 5Ks), a 5K walk, and kids' races
• Pricing: Adult 5K $55.99 · Double Dip 5K $77.99 · Kids races $34.99 (youth 18 & under save 20%)
• Included: Race shirt, finisher medal, free race photos, chip timing, and live results
• Benefits: Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, plus dozens of local schools and nonprofits
• Register: raceroster.com · info at sandiegorunningco.com

Choose Your Race

There's a start time and a distance for every kind of trotter:

• Early Wave 5K — 7:00 a.m. The earlier of the two 5Ks; same course, earlier start.
• Main Wave 5K — 8:00 a.m. The main event, and the wave that counts for the prize purse and championship titles.
• Double Dip Challenge — 7:00 a.m. + 8:00 a.m. Run both 5Ks (with about a 0.4-mile walk back to the start in between) and earn a bonus medal.
• 5K Walk — 8:15 a.m. A dedicated walk wave for a relaxed pace.
• Kids 1 Mile — 10:00 a.m. and Kids 1/5 Mile — 10:25 a.m. Short, fun races for the little ones.

Not sure which to pick? The two 5Ks are identical except for start time — just choose whichever fits your morning. There's also a costume contest at 9:45 a.m. and a big team competition, so gather your crew.

Getting There & Parking

Thanksgiving morning brings road closures around the course, so plan your arrival:

• Parking is free in all city lots on Thanksgiving morning until 11 a.m. Do not park at the Walmart or Harbor Freight lots on Mission Ave — you'll be towed.
• A free parking shuttle runs 5:30 a.m.–11 a.m. from several off-site lots to the start line — the easiest way to skip the closures.
• Rideshare and public transit (the Sprinter and Breeze) are great options given the road closures.
• Friends-and-family drop-off spots are available near the start; check the course and parking maps on the official site.
• Expect road closures around Coast Highway and the downtown/beach area during the race — the official site has detour maps.

Good to Know

• Come dressed for the season — the costume contest kicks off at 9:45 a.m., with prizes for the top three
• Pick up your packet early — Expo and packet pickup are Wednesday, Nov. 25 (11 a.m.–6 p.m.) at the Junior Seau Beach Community Center, plus race morning (6–9 a.m.) at the Civic Center Plaza
• Everyone gets the goods — race shirt, finisher medal, free photos, and chip-timed live results
• Discounts add up — youth 18 & under save 20%, groups of 3+ save $3 each, and active military and seniors (65+) get 10% off with a code
• A few rules: no dogs on the course; strollers start in the final two waves; there's a 90-minute course time limit
• Note the format: the old 5-mile route has been retired — it's now two 5K waves, so returning trotters, take note
• It's for a great cause — 10% of every 5K entry goes to a local charity or school you choose at registration

However you trot it, the O'side Turkey Trot is the perfect way to start Thanksgiving — a healthy dose of ocean air, community, and giving back before the feast. For more happening around town, browse our full event calendar, or explore more of Oceanside.