The Folsom Turkey Trot turns 20 on Thanksgiving morning, with a 4,300-participant cap and no race-day registration.

The annual 5K and 10K race returns Thursday, Nov. 26, at Lions Park and Rodeo Park along Stafford Street, according to the Folsom Times. Organizers recommend early registration given the participant limit.

Runners and walkers who register by Sunday, Nov. 8, pay $38 for either distance. The price jumps to $43 starting Nov. 9, plus online processing fees, according to the event's official website. Online registration is scheduled to stay open through Nov. 24, subject to available space.

The 10K starts at 8:50 a.m. The 5K run and walk follows at 9:10 a.m.

Where the money goes

All donations and a portion of race proceeds benefit Twin Lakes Food Bank, the Never In Our Town Youth Scholarship and Folsom's trail system, according to the Folsom Times. Twin Lakes Food Bank serves individuals and families facing food insecurity in the Folsom area.

Organizers are also collecting nonperishable food donations at packet pickup for a food drive benefiting the food bank.

Family-friendly details

Children can join parents on the course, and strollers are allowed. Young children in strollers do not need to register unless families want them to receive an official race time and event shirt. Dogs are permitted in the 5K walking portion on short, nonretractable leashes but must stay toward the back of the starting group. Dogs are not allowed in the running divisions.

The event uses chip timing. Faster participants line up toward the front, with walkers and stroller families toward the back.

Packet pickup and race-day logistics

Participants can collect race bibs, timing chips and event shirts on Wednesday, Nov. 25, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma St. Friends and family can pick up packets for registered runners with just the participant's name. T-shirt sizes are first come, first served.

Race-morning pickup runs from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. near the Folsom Public Library, but organizers encourage collecting materials the day before.

The Lions Park location is worth noting for returning participants. The Folsom Times reported the event relocated from a former site because of park construction.

A look at last year

The 2025 Turkey Trot on Nov. 27, 2025, drew competitive fields in both distances. Jack Huarte, 18, won the men's 5K in 15 minutes, 33 seconds. Kate Weaver, 41, led the women's 5K in 20:32. Chris Dewitt, 46, took the men's 10K title in 37:46, and Rachael Banton, 36, won the women's 10K in 43:08.

Registration and course maps are available at FolsomTurkeyTrot.com.