What began as a simple neighborhood run has grown into one of Gilbert’s most meaningful Thanksgiving traditions.
The Gilbert Turkey Trot began in 2011 when David Pothier and Denny Barney decided to bring a Thanksgiving morning race closer to home. Both had participated in the Mesa Turkey Trot, and just one week before Thanksgiving, they organized a run along the canal in their Gilbert neighborhood.
An invitation was posted on a local Facebook page, and organizers expected a small gathering. Instead, 290 people arrived at the neighborhood retention basin ready to run, setting the stage for something much bigger than anyone anticipated.
From the beginning, giving back was part of the event. Their friend Ruth Collins had recently started AZ Brainfood, a nonprofit providing weekend food packages to children in need. Organizers placed a glass jar at the race, inviting participants to donate and offering one of 100 printed T-shirts to donors.
The following year, Families Fighting Blindness was established, and proceeds have since been shared between the two local organizations.
As participation grew, the neighborhood course could no longer contain the crowd. After three years along the canal, the Turkey Trot moved to SanTan Village, where it evolved into a Thanksgiving morning tradition welcoming thousands of runners, walkers and families.
Yet its neighborhood spirit remains. Grandparents participate alongside grandchildren, families return year after year, and children race their parents toward the finish line. Participants can choose between a one-mile fun run/walk and a 5K, making the event accessible for a wide range of ages and abilities.
There are plenty of memorable touches, too. After crossing the finish line, runners can celebrate with a doughnut and experience something especially unexpected in the desert: “snow” in Arizona, courtesy of the event’s snow machines.
More than a race, the Gilbert Turkey Trot has become a celebration of family, generosity, and community, proving that a simple idea can grow into a tradition that makes a meaningful local impact each Thanksgiving.
Something that started as a little neighborhood run has become a tradition that brings families together and gives back each Thanksgiving.”
Lace up your running shoes and make a difference this Thanksgiving! Join us on Thursday, November 26, at SanTan Village for the 16th Annual Gilbert Turkey Trot. With 100% of proceeds benefiting AzBrainfood and Families Fighting Blindness, every step helps support local families and children in need.
REGISTRATION PACKET PICK-UP
Wednesday, November 25 from 4:00PM-7:00PM in parking lot west of La Madeleine at SanTan Village.
RACE DAY PARKING
North, East and West of Macy’s Department Store
RACE CHECK-IN
Thursday, November 26 at the south door of Macy’s Department Store (There will be separate lines for registered runners and late registration).
Late registration (after November 6th) runners will not be guaranteed a complimentary shirt.
RACE START TIMES
Fun Run (1 mile): 8:30AM
5K Run: 9:00AM
In years past, we have welcomed dogs to participate in Turkey Trot and Fun Run. However, we are no longer able to support dogs on our race course. Furry family members are welcome as spectators if they remain leashed, but won’t be permitted to accompany runners/walkers on the race course.