When is the Scottsdale Turkey Trot 2026? Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, with a 5K start at 8:30 a.m. MST. The race starts and finishes at Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, right here in ZIP 85250.
Is it just for runners? No. Organizers welcome walkers, joggers and stroller-pushers, every category is chip timed, and the finish turns into a wellness festival with music, food, a sauna and cold plunge. It's an easy Thanksgiving tradition to start close to home.
Data note: Event details come from the official Scottsdale Turkey Trot website and its Race Roster registration page, checked Oct. 29, 2026. Weather figures are NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 daily normals for Scottsdale Airport. Holiday schedules are from the City of Scottsdale. Event details can change; confirm with organizers before race day.
Scottsdale Turkey Trot 2026 at a Glance
- Date: Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving)
- Start time: 8:30 a.m. MST
- Start and finish: Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
- Distance: 5K, described by organizers as flat and scenic, with Camelback Mountain views
- Timing: chip timed, results posted after the race
- Hosts: Scottsdale Run Club, Phoenix Run Club, Black AZ Run and Revival Wellness
- Year: organizers bill 2026 as the event's second year
Entry Options
Organizers offer three categories on Race Roster:
- General 5K: run, jog or walk, then stay for the festival
- VIP 5K: upfront parking, separate check-in, an exclusive recovery area, pre-run breakfast bites, coffee and a gift bag
- Kids 5K: for ages 12 and under, same course
Registration Details Worth Knowing
- Pricing is shown on Race Roster for each category, with processing fees displayed before you pay
- All sales are final; transfers are allowed until Nov. 7, 2026
- Run clubs and teams can register through the "Run Clubs, Fitness Groups & Teams" link
- Gift registrations are available
- Packet pickup before race day is planned; details are to be announced on the race information page
Race Morning Tips
Parking
Complimentary parking at Embassy Suites is limited and first come, first served. VIP entries include upfront parking. If you live nearby, walking or biking over is worth considering.
What to Wear
NOAA's 1991-2020 daily normals for Scottsdale Airport put Nov. 26 at an average high of 69.6°F and low of 46.4°F. An 8:30 a.m. start will feel cool, so:
- Wear a light layer you can shed
- Bring sunglasses and sunscreen; the desert sun is strong even in late November
- Carry water for the walk to and from your car
Rules to Remember
- Dogs stay home
- Strollers are welcome
- Allow time to park and reach the start line
After the Finish
The finish line becomes a wellness festival with a live DJ, sauna, cold plunge, recovery area, food, local vendors and arts and crafts. Plan an extra hour before the turkey goes in.
Thanksgiving Week Logistics in 85250
Trash and Recycling
Per the City of Scottsdale's 2026 holiday schedule:
- No collection on Thanksgiving Day
- Thursday collection moves to Friday
- Friday collection moves to Saturday
- City offices are closed Nov. 26 and 27
Bulk pickup has its own calendar; see our Scottsdale bulk trash schedule.
More Holiday Plans Nearby
- Training for the 5K? Our guide to 85250's walking and running routes covers the greenbelt, the canal and local run clubs
- Planning the rest of the season? See McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights 2026
“Thanksgiving morning in 85250 is one of my favorite times of year. The air is crisp, the mountains are clear, and the neighborhood paths fill up with walkers before the cooking starts. Events like this are a big part of why living here feels like a community.”
— Elizabeth Vijan, Tackett Team, eXp Realty
FAQ: Scottsdale Turkey Trot 2026
When is the Scottsdale Turkey Trot 2026?
Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, starting at 8:30 a.m. MST.
Can you walk the Scottsdale Turkey Trot?
Yes. Walkers and strollers are welcome; dogs are not.
How much is the Scottsdale Turkey Trot?
Pricing is listed on Race Roster. Transfers are allowed until Nov. 7.
What is the weather in Scottsdale on Thanksgiving?
Normals put Nov. 26 near 70°F high and 46°F low.
Love the Idea of Living Near It All?
I'll show you 85250 homes close to the greenbelt, the canal paths and the events that fill the calendar here.
Elizabeth Vijan | Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Chaparral Park Resident & 85250 Real Estate Expert
Find My 85250 Home · Call or text 602-885-7752
Sources: Scottsdale Turkey Trot: Official site · Scottsdale Turkey Trot: Race info · Scottsdale Turkey Trot: FAQ · Race Roster: Scottsdale Turkey Trot 2026 registration · NOAA NCEI: 1991-2020 daily normals, Scottsdale Airport · City of Scottsdale: Holiday collection schedule
Disclaimer: Event information is from the organizers as of Oct. 29, 2026 and may change. This post is not affiliated with or endorsed by the event. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
