Brooksvale Trails Turkey Trot

The Real Hamden Turkey Trot!

This race is now the Sunday BEFORE Thanksgiving- it's also a food drive for the Hamden Food Bank! Please bring a boxed or canned food item to the race!! Last year we brought 150+ pounds of food to the Hamden Food Bank on Monday before Thanksgiving!! YOU DID THAT!!! Tired of running the same old out-and-back 5k on the canal trail? Want to give trail running a try? Live Loud Running and the Town of Hamden proudly present The Fifth Annual Brooksvale Trails Turkey Trot, Sunday November 22nd, 2026. Offering both a 10k and a 5k with very generous cutoffs- you can hike this whole thing and still make it back for bagels and donuts! Serving as both a great entry point to trail running as well as offering a fast course for the seasoned vet, the trails at Brooksvale are at times insanely runnable with just enough roots and rocks to make you pay attention.

The Course

It can be flat and fast at times or a leafy, rooty, rocky mess. Might be some standing water- this is a trail race and along with racing your friends you're also racing the elements. It's what makes it awesome. Link to 5k Course Link to 10k Course

The Swag

Each runner that signs up by November 8th will receive a sweet screen printed tri-blend Bella+Canvas shirt plus an amazing handmade award from Ragged Cuts. Most definitely some other items in that swag bag as well... Bagels, coffee and donuts from nearby Hamden eatery Whitney Donuts will be served! Maple bacon donuts!

Charity Beneficiary

The Brooksvale Park Gift Fund is a designated fund to be utilized only at Brooksvale Park- this will ensure future park users access to the trails as well as the park's ongoing dedication to providing educational opportunities for the public to engage in animal stewardship. Brooksvale Park is open to the public daily and is a vital part of Hamden's rich cultural history; from the amazing community garden as well as the active beehives and finally the multi-use fields. Consider a donation today: Donate! We are also collecting boxed and canned non-perishable items for The Hamden Food Bank this year, as the race is BEFORE Thanksgiving. For more info, click HERE photos: ART F BYRAM