Forest Lake Rotary Turkey Trot

On Thanksgiving morning, November 26th, 2026, the Rotary Club of Forest Lake invites runners and walkers alike to participate in its ninth annual Turkey Trot. This heartwarming community event is set to take place at the picturesque Hardwood Creek Trail behind the Forest Lake City Center (1408 Lake St S, Forest Lake, MN 55025), offering a scenic backdrop for both competitive racers and casual participants.
The race features two options: a challenging 5K route that winds through the serene trails of Forest Lake or a more relaxed one-mile fun run designed for all ages. The event welcomes runners from beginners to seasoned athletes, as well as families with children in strollers and leashed dogs who enjoy running alongside their human companions.
Registration fees are set at $35 for adults and $20 for students aged 7-18; participants under six years old can join for free. This year, the event has partnered with UltraSignup to provide seamless registration and integrated race timing services. Creating an account on UltraSignup not only allows you to register but also gives you access to your race results, enabling comparisons with other runners and discovery of future events.
Proceeds from this run will support food assistance programs for families in Forest Lake, making the Turkey Trot a meaningful way to give back during the holiday season. Check-in begins at 8:00 AM on November 26th, allowing ample time to collect your race number bib and exclusive Turkey Trot stocking cap before the start of the races.
The 5K run kicks off promptly at 9:00 AM, followed shortly after by the one-mile fun run. To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, particularly those with dogs who may be anxious in large crowds or around children, organizers encourage pet owners to leave their furry friends behind if they do not thrive in such environments.
Should unforeseen circumstances like severe weather conditions necessitate cancellation of the event, it will transition into a virtual race format. In this scenario, participants can still collect their race shirts and numbers on Thanksgiving morning at the Forest Lake City Center or arrange for an alternate pickup time based on further communication from organizers via email.
Join us as we celebrate community spirit through movement and charity during one of Minnesota's most anticipated holiday traditions.