Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26. If you'd like to start the day with a run or walk, the Bay Area's two biggest options are open for registration.
Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot (San Jose)
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation started and still produces the downtown San Jose race. It calls the event America's largest Thanksgiving Day race. The course is flat and fast and runs through downtown neighborhoods. There's a 5K run/walk, a 10K, a Kids Fun Run for ages 2 to 7 and virtual versions. The 5K and 10K run from 8:30 to 11 a.m., and the kids' run starts at 10:15 a.m.
Prices: The registration page lists the 5K and 10K at $55, including a $5 fee. The kids' run is $27.50, including a $2.50 fee. Those prices go up after 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, when the listed price becomes $66 for adults and $33 for kids. Online registration stays open until 9 a.m. on race day. Virtual runners should register by Nov. 15 to get their packet by race day. All proceeds go to four nonprofits: Healthier Kids Foundation, HomeFirst, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County. The same organizer runs a Silicon Valley Santa Run on Dec. 13.
San Francisco Turkey Trot (Golden Gate Park)
San Francisco's Thanksgiving morning run has raised money for Lowell High School's track and cross country teams since 2004. Project SF lists this year's race as the 24th. The 100-meter Kids Gobbler Chase starts at 8 a.m. The 5-mile run and 3-mile walk start at 8:40 a.m. in Golden Gate Park. Project SF says the price appears at sign-up on the race's registration page.
Tips
Both races fill the streets early on a holiday morning, so check transit and parking before you go. Prices and details come from the organizers and can change, so confirm on the official pages.