It’s that time of year when everyone is looking to beat the winter blues. What better way than reconnecting to nature and running or walking to your heart’s content, all while making exciting memories? We have some upcoming family-friendly Holiday 5Ks in Indianapolis just for you. From Indy Turkey Trots to Christmas 5Ks, you have plenty of options to run as a family or by yourself to burn off those extra holiday calories. Get in costume and get ready to have a lot of fun in your community. Bonus: most runs are stroller-friendly and some are even dog-friendly!
Holiday 5Ks in Indianapolis | Indy Turkey Trots & Christmas 5Ks
November: Indy Turkey Trots
Turkey Trails 5K/10K
November 23, 9 am
Location: 8400 Westfield Boulevard, Indianapolis 46240
Race Length: 10K, 5K, 1 Mile, Kids Dash
Ages: All Ages
Come out to the Arthur Jordan Branch YMCA in Indianapolis for the Turkey Trails 5K/10K. This fun, Thanksgiving-themed event is perfect for the whole family, with a 1-mile run and a Kids Dash for the little ones. The fun includes a designer shirt, a custom medal, and delicious treats waiting at the finish line.
Fishers YMCA Wishbone 5K
November 28, 8 am
Location: 9012 E 126th Street, Fishers 46038
Race Length: 5K
Ages: All Ages
Get out and start your Thanksgiving holiday with a family walk or run in the annual Fishers YMCA Wishbone 5K. This is a family-friendly and dog-friendly event and strollers are permitted. Awards will be given to the top 3 overall, male and female winners, and age-group awards in 10-year increments. Participants will receive a long-sleeved tee and a finisher’s medal.
Gobblers Jog 5K
November 28, 8 am
Location: Written Park, Saxony Boulevard, Fishers 46037
Race Length: 5K
Ages: All Ages
Start your Thanksgiving holiday off right by running or walking in the Gobblers Jog 5K Run & Walk. The USATF-certified course takes racers through the Saxony residential and corporate areas. The Gobblers Job benefits the Come to Me Food Pantry, as well as various youth health and fitness initiatives. Strollers and leashed dogs are permitted.
Hendricks Regional Health YMCA Gobble Gallop 5K
November 28, 8 am
Location: 301 Satori Parkway, Avon 46123
Race Length: 5K
Ages: All Ages
Celebrate Thanksgiving by walking or running in the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA Gobble Gallop 5K. The walk/run will begin and end at the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA. The Gobble Gallop 5K is the largest annual fundraising event in support of the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, which ensures that everyone can experience the benefits of Y membership, including health, fitness, and education.
Gobble Wobble 5K
November 28, 8:30 am
Location: 520 Falls Park Drive, Pendleton 46064
Race Length: 5K
Ages: All Ages
Kick off your Thanksgiving morning with a 5K run or walk through Historic Falls Park in Pendleton. The 2024 Gobble Wobble 5K race will be professionally timed. Participants will receive a race shirt. First place male and female per age group will receive a pie. Proceeds support the Pendleton YMCA’s financial assistance and program subsidies for friends and neighbors in Madison County.
Gravy Chase
November 28, 8:30 am
Location: Main & Cedar Street, Zionsville 46077 & 125 N Meridian Street, Lebanon 46052
Race Length: 4 Mile, 2.2 Mile, 5K
Ages: All Ages
The Gravy Chase is a Thanksgiving Day tradition running through the streets and historic town of Zionsville. This year, a new Gravy Chase route will be added in Lebanon at Memorial Park. Both begin at 8:30 am. Zionsville is offering a 2.2-mile or 4-mile walk/run. Lebanon is offering a 5K walk/run. The Gravy Chase benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Boone County. Strollers and dogs are welcome to the family-friendly event.
Bolt for the Heart Thanksgiving Day 5K
November 28, 9 am
Location: 1 Carter Green, Carmel 46032
Race Length: 5K
Ages: All Ages
You can choose to run or walk in the family-friendly Bolt for the Heart 5K course through downtown Carmel. Participants will receive a finisher’s medal and a race-themed shirt. 100% of your registration will go towards placing life-saving AEDs in police cars in Hamilton County.
FitLivin THXRUN
November 28, 9 am
Location: 6001 Edenshall Lane, Noblesville 46062
Race Length: 4 Mile, 1.5 Mile, Kids 1/4 Mile Run
Ages: All Ages
Get a head start on your Thanksgiving Day feast and head to Dillon Park in Noblesville for the 2024 FitLivin THXRUN Day Run & Walk. The 4-mile and 1.5-mile run/walk starts at 9 am with a 1/4-mile Kids Run at 8:45 am. Participants will receive a finisher medal and a t-shirt. The run benefits Hemophilia of Indiana’s Judy Moore Memorial Scholarship Program.
Michael Treinen Foundation Turkey Trot
November 28, 9 am
Location: 33 N 9th Street, Noblesville 46060
Race Length: 5K, 3K
Ages: All Ages
Start your Thanksgiving holiday with a 5K Turkey Trot run or a 3K family walk through downtown Noblesville. The run supports the Michael Treinen Foundation in continuing their work with Riley Children’s Hospital Physical Therapy Department and Michael’s mission to keep patients “moving through treatment.”
Turkey Burn
November 28, 9 am
Location: 100 Surina Way, Greenwood 46142
Race Length: 5K, Kid Run
Ages: All Ages
The Turkey Burn 5K walk/run will take place at Craig Park in Greenwood on Thanksgiving Day. The kid run/walk will take place before the main 5K and kids will get to run with the celebrity turkey! Participants will receive a shirt and a medal. All proceeds raised will be going to The Refuge.
Turkey Day 5K
November 28, 9 am
Location: 23 N East Main Street, Greenfield, 46140
Race Length: 5K, 1 Mile
Ages: All Ages
Start your Turkey Day with a 5K or 1-mile run/walk in Greenfield. The Turkey Day 5K is a fun race that welcomes costumes, so whether you’re a Peanuts fan and want to dress like Charlie Brown, or have an awesome turkey outfit you’re dying to wear, ANY AND ALL costumes are encouraged. There will be a selfie station, free water and bananas, and a coffee vendor on site. Dogs are welcomed with water and gifts!
Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash
November 28, 9 am
Location: 1426 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis 46220
Race Length: 4.3 Mile, 2.6 Mile, 40 Yard Dash
Ages: All Ages
Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Wheeler Mission Drumstick Dash in Broad Ripple. This race is loads of fun and features live entertainment, concessions, fun Thanksgiving-themed costumes, and more. Choose from the 4.3-mile Full Gobbler, 2.6-mile Mini Gobbler, or 40-yard Lil’ Gobbler’s Run. Participants receive a finisher’s medal, shirt, and post-race coffee, snacks, and beverages. This fun-for-the-whole-family event benefits men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in the Indianapolis community.
Black Friday 5K
November 29, 9 am
Location: 2150 Intelliplex Drive, Shelbyville 46176
Race Length: 5K
Ages: All Ages
Why shop when you can run/walk a 5K? The Black Friday 5K course is a great, flat course on paved trails. You’ll feel great running off all of that food eaten the day before! All finishers will receive an awesome Black Friday Finisher Medal! One-of-a-kind Turkey Trophies will be awarded for overall and age group winners! This event benefits Pantry Pals Food Bank.
Turkey Legs Trifecta & Half Marathon
November 30, 9 am
Location: 8400 Mann Road, Indianapolis 46221
Race Length: Half Marathon, 6K, 5K, 4K
Ages: All Ages
The 2024 Turkey Legs Trifecta & Half Marathon at Southeastway Park may be the most challenging Indy turkey trot! If you’re not up to a half marathon, perhaps you’ll consider taking part in the Trifecta Challenge! Run the 4K at 10 am, the 5K at 11 am, and the 6K at 12:15 pm for a total of 15K! The dirt courses vary from an elevation gain of 148 feet to 248 feet! Registration includes an eye-catching long-sleeve shirt and a unique finisher’s medal featuring a real spinning turkey leg! Plus, enjoy delicious post-race BBQ turkey sliders and hot chocolate to refuel after your run.
December: Holiday & Christmas 5Ks in Indianapolis
Jingle Bell Run
December 7, 8:30 am
Location: 700 W Washington Street, Indianapolis 46204
Race Length: 5K, 10K, 1 Mile Doggie Dash
Ages: All Ages
Help raise money and awareness for the Arthritis Foundation by walking or running in the Jingle Bell Run at the NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis. Run or walk the 5K or 10K, or walk your best friend in the 1-mile Doggie Dash! Racers are encouraged to wear holiday-themed costumes for extra fun and holiday cheer!
Gluhwein Gallop 5K
December 14, 9 am
Location: 10 Carter Green, Carmel 46032
Race Length: 5K
Ages: All ages
The Gluhwein Gallop is a fun-filled race that includes holiday tunes and live commentary during the race. The beautiful 5K course will start and finish at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. The market opens at Noon after the race, so stay and enjoy the day shopping or ice skating! Participants 21+ will receive a complimentary serving of Gluhwein, beer, or hot chocolate after the race. Awards will be given to favorite costumes and festive outfits.
Santa Hustle Indianapolis
December 15, 8:30 am
Location: 801 W Washington Street, Indianapolis 46204
Race Length: Half Marathon, 5K, 1/2 Mile Kids Dash
Ages: All Ages
Sign up for the Santa Hustle Indianapolis half marathon, 5K, or 1/2 mile Kids Dash to get yourself in the holiday spirit! The course will start and finish at White River State Park. Participants will receive a Santa beanie, an ugly sweater, and a finisher medal! The Santa Hustle supports the Indiana Parkinson Foundation, Friends of Iny AnimalCare, and Teen Works.
Brew Ho Ho Ho 5K
December 21, 10:30 am
Location: 5301 Winthrop Avenue, Indianapolis 46220
Race Length: 5K
Ages: Open to all ages, but geared to the 21+ crowd
Get ready to jingle all the way at the Brew Ho Ho Ho 5K starting at Half Liter BBQ and running or walking on the Monon Trail in Indianapolis. After the race, enjoy a free pint of Santa’s famous brew and stay for some delicious BBQ to warm your holiday spirit. All participants will receive a Santa shirt and a finisher’s medal.
Rudolph Run 5K
December 24, 9 am
Location: 2150 Intelliplex Drive, Shelbyville 46176
Race Length: 5K, 1/4 Mile Kids Run
Ages: All Ages
Conquer the Rudolph Run 5K to support Pantry Pals Food Bank in Shelbyville. Christmas finisher medals will be given to all participants, with the top 20 female and male finishers receiving one-of-a-kind reindeer trophies. Age group awards in 10-year increments. The first boy and girl 12 & under to finish the 5K will receive an “Energy2Action Elf” Award. Each child who finishes the Kids Run receives a wrapped gift. No dogs or strollers are allowed on the course at this event.
January: 5Ks in Indianapolis
Cheers to New Year’s 5K
January 1, 10 am
Location: 1435 E 86th Street, Indianapolis 46240
Race Length: 5K
Ages: Open to all ages, but geared to the 21+ crowd
Adios 2024. Cheers to a brand new year! Kick off your New Year by being active and sign up to walk or run the Cheers to New Year’s 5K at Big Lug Canteen. The course is fun, fast, easy, and flat. Participants will receive a finisher’s medal, chip-timed bib, race day shirt, and a pint of Big Lug brew for those 21 years and over.
We’re lucky to have generally warmer temperatures through December for 5Ks in Indianapolis. Take advantage of it before the snow and ice arrive! When the snow does come, here are some great ideas for ways to play and have fun in the snow this winter.
Join the excitement of Holiday 5Ks Indianapolis. From Indy Turkey Trots to Christmas 5Ks to Drumstick Dashes and Kids’ Fun Runs, there’s no better way to spend a morning with the whole family. Many of these events are held to raise money for local charities, so your morning run can also support a cause close to your heart. Let your kids share in the spirit of giving back to others and prioritize physical fitness at the same time. If you’re looking to build on themes of generosity with your children, start a new “You’ve Been Jingled” holiday tradition. It’s a child-led activity that will engage them in giving to others.
HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES IN THE MIDWEST
Has your family participated in 5Ks in Indianapolis? Which Indy Turkey Trots and Santa Hustles are your favorite? Share your comments and photos with us below or tag us on social media using #PLAYindy. Follow Indy with Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the best ideas and things to do with kids in Indy!
