< UPDATED NOV. 9, 2019

LONG BEACH TURKEY TROT 5K/10K & KIDS 1/2-MILE WINGDING

Please encourage friends and family to join you on Thanksgiving morning.

g THANKSGIVING DAY
Hot to (Turkey) Trot in Long Beach!

Before Filling Up on Thanksgiving, You Can Run It Off!

THE THANKSGIVING DAY 5K/10K Turkey Trot Run/Walk and Kids 1/2-Mile Wingding will take place at the Granada Boat Launch Ramp, 1 Granada Ave., 90803 in Belmont Shore. Packet pickup is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the start/finish line or 30 minutes before your race begins. MAP

THREE OPTIONS: 5K/10K START TIMES (run/walk) • 7 a.m. • 8:30 a.m. • 10 a.m. KIDS 1/2-MILE WINGDING • 9:40 a.m. (ages 8-12) • 9:45 a.m. (ages 7 & younger) Click below to register now: RATES BENEFIT CHARITY! • $30 5K/10K, til Oct. 28 (7 & 10 a.m. start times only) • $35 5K/10K, til Nov. 14 • $40 5K/10K, after Nov.14 KIDS 1/2-MILE WINGDING • $20 til Oct. 28 • $25 til Nov. 14 • $30 after Nov. 14 NOTE: If you are running the Wingding with your kids, please register and sign the liability waiver for the Wingding and wear your bib. Each registrant will receive a bib and shirt. The registration service does charge a small service fee if you pay by credit card. Entry fees are ABSOLUTELY nonrefundable and nontransferable. Rain or shine event. No dogs, no bikes, no inline skates, no skateboards, no scooters, no Native American costumes. Double strollers only allowed at the 10 a.m. start time. Wheelchairs welcome. Strollers and those who are walking are asked to start at the back of the pack.

COMING: 3,000+ RUNNERS & WALKERS expected at the 17th annual Long Beach Turkey Trot for charity presented by Justin Rudd's nonprofit 501c3 Community Action Team, the Grunion Gazette, and Councilwoman Suzie Price's office on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 28, 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions
CLICK HERE

PACKET PICKUP, WED. 3:30-6:30 PM
When/Where will the packet pickup be?
At the boat launch ramp at 1 Granada Ave., 90803.  Wed. from 3:30-6:30 p.m. or Thanksgiving Day from 6:15-10 a.m., but arrive at least 30 minutes before your start time. Participants can also register during the packet pickup.

BRING CANNED GOODS AND...
Bring a few dollars, mac n cheese, breakfast cereal, canned fruit, or peanut butter (food for the AIDS Food Store; or cash for CAT).

PARKING
Beachfront lots are metered all day every day -- including holidays. Free race-morning parking in the lots and meters along Second Street.

Can I pick-up a bib and/or T-shirt for someone else?
Yes, bring a note from that person that includes their full name, shirt size, start time. Give the note to the volunteer handing out bibs.

Can I register during the packet pickup?
Yes, we’ll have entry forms at the packet pickup.  All races, including Kids’ Wingding, are $40/cash. FORM HERE

Click: Frequently Asked Questions

No Native American costumes at the Long Beach Turkey Trot. It is our policy to treat people with honor, dignity and respect -- regardless of their beliefs, gender, age, race, creed, sexual orientation, special needs and ethnicity. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

THE CHARITY

Can you tell me more about the charity benefiting from the Long Beach Turkey Trot?
100% raised goes to this charity. We will raise thousands for the 501c3 nonprofit Community Action Team (C.A.T.) for their events/projects that include the monthly 30-Minute Beach Cleanup, the Long Beach Giving Project, Haute Dogs, the $1,000 National Kids Spelling Bee, the National Adult Spelling Bee, the Fourth of July Kids' Bike Parade, Operation Easter Basket, Operation Santa Paws, Long Beach Losers, the Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, Miss Long Beach and more. The group puts on more than 60 annual projects/events/contests focused mostly on animal, environmental and youth welfare.  MORE ABOUT C.A.T.

Which food bank will receive the non-perishable food items that are collected? AIDS Food Store

Please bring non-perishables on Wednesday and Thursday.

Popular food bank items are:
• Stuffing, instant potatoes, rice
• Canned fruit, yams, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cranberry, carrots
• Raisins, applesauce, mayo, mustard, relish, oil, sports drinks, juices, soups, instant ramen, pasta sauce
• Canned meat, ravioli
• Hamburger Helper and Rice-A-Roni
• Sport bars and health bars
• Cookies and crackers
• Peanut butter
• Breakfast cereal
• Macaroni and cheese
• Canned fruit
• Cream of Wheat
• Canned tuna

VOLUNTEERING

Can I help on Wed. or Thurs.?
Yes, we depend on approx. 150 volunteers to make the event a success.  We need help Wed. from 2:30-7 p.m., and on Thursday from 5:30 a.m.-noon.  CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER


DAY OF REGISTRATION QUESTIONS

What is the start line/packet pickup address?
click: 1 Granada Ave. Enter at 1 Granada Ave., 90803. Pay your meters.

Is there a way to "check-in" to Facebook on my smart phone when I arrive?
Yes. When you arrive, go to facebook.com/LongBeachTurkeyTrot

Where can I register for the race on race day?
Register at 1 Granada Ave. on the boat launch ramp from 6:15 to 10 a.m.  Be registered at least 30 minutes before your start time begins. 

Where do I register for the Kids’ ½-Mile Wingding on race day?
You can register your child at the main registration area at 1 Granada Ave.  Details below.

I have a registration problem.
Go to the volunteers/help desk table in the registration area.

Where do I get my bib and shirt?
Packet pickup is Wed. from 3:30-6:30 p.m. or Thurs. from 6:15-10 a.m. -- at least 30 minutes before your start time. We cannot guarantee shirts to anyone who has not been to packet pickup at least 30 minutes before their start time, or for anyone who registers on (or the day before) Thanksgiving. We cannot guarantee a Trot shirt for late registrants.

Will we be able to check our belongings?
No.

What if it rains?
This is a rain or shine event.


RACE COURSE

How many water stations will be on the course?
Water stations are just before the 5K and 10K turnarounds.  And, plentiful water at the finish line’s refreshments area.

Where can I see a map of the course? The entire course is on the beach path. MAP

If it is cold or raining will there be a place to put my belongings?
Not this year. Please leave belongings in your car.

Why do you not have timing?
We've decided to not hire a professional timing company for this race so that we can give that thousands more to charity. And, from past experience with our races, more than 85% of our athletes do not stay for the awards ceremony or wait to get their winning certificate. They want to race home to their families and feasts! There will be no age categories or online posting of race times. This is a no-frills Thanksgiving charity fun run.

Do you have a race clock?
Yes.  We do two large digital race clock on the finish line so you can see your time.  The race clock restarts when each new race starts at 7, 8:30, and 10 a.m.

Am I cool?
Yes, very. You are hot to trot!

Can I wear a costume?
Yes, we love costumed runners and walkers, but do not dress in Native American costumes at the Turkey Trot.
No Native American costumes at the Long Beach Turkey Trot. It is our policy to treat people with honor, dignity and respect -- regardless of their beliefs, gender, age, race, creed, sexual orientation, special needs and ethnicity. 

Can I walk the whole thing?
Yes, we welcome walking.  If you walk slower than a 15-minute mile, please register for a 5K.

When does the finish line and refreshments area close? 
We close up at 11:15 a.m. so volunteers can go home to their families.  If you do the 10 a.m. start time, make sure you can complete the event within 95 minutes.  If not, please select another start time.


PACKET PICKUP

When/Where will the packet pickup be?
At the boat launch ramp at 1 Granada Ave., 90803.  Wed. from 3:30-6:30 p.m. or Thanksgiving Day from 6:15-10 a.m., but arrive at least 30 minutes before your start time. Bring a few dollars, mac n cheese, breakfast cereal, canned fruit, or peanut butter (food for the AIDS Food Store; or cash for CAT). Street parking is free. We also expect free parking in the Granada Ave. parking lot, since it's under construction and there are no meters there right now.

Can I pick up a bib and/or T-shirt for someone else?
Yes, bring a note from that person that includes their full name, shirt size, start time. Give the note to the volunteer handing out bibs.

Can I register during the packet pickup?
Yes, we’ll have entry forms at the packet pickup.  All races, including Kids’ Wingding, are $40/cash at packet pickup and on race morning.

Why should I pick my stuff up the day before Thanksgiving instead of the day of the race?
You will avoid the rush, hassle and worry of race morning bib/shirt pickup, and you'll get to see the parking lots and start/finish line.  When you get your bib and shirt on the day before Thanksgiving, you simply put on your bib and go straight to the start line. 

Is parking free during packet pickup?
Yes, if you park in the Granada Ave. beachfront parking lot. Please bring non-perishable food to donate to AIDS Food Store.

REGISTRATION QUESTIONS

What is my bib number?
We’ll help you locate your bib that will show your number when you arrive to packet pickup. Bibs will include your start time and distance you registered for.

Can we register as a group?
Yes. Every person needs to sign a liability waiver during the registration process.

Can I switch from a 5K to a 10K or vice versa?
Yes.

Can I run more than one of the start times/races without registering?
No. You must register for each start time.  Pay regular price for the first one, and just $10 for each add’l start time (at packet pickup).  You will receive just one shirt/bib.

Do I have to register my child for the 5K/10K?
Yes, every participant (regardless of age; even those in strollers) should be registered for the race because of our insurance and liability regulations. Registering kids in strollers helps us with our fundraising, too. And, then your kid in the stroller will get their own personalized race bib. Babies in strollers can be registered for a lower rate using the 1/2-Mile Wingding registration.

LOCATION QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE EVENT ADDRESS?
1 Granada Ave., across the parking lot from the Belmont Pool, enter the parking lot at 1 Granada Ave., 90803. You can also park at the Belmont Pier parking lot, Claremont parking lot, or La Verne parking lot, or on 2nd Street and walk/jog to the start line. Only meters along Second Street are free on race day. Meters at all beachfront lots are in effect every day, including holidays.

When does the parking lot open?
We encourage you to arrive after 6:15 a.m. on race day. We also expect free parking in the Granada Ave. parking lot, since it's under construction and there are no meters there right now. Meters are in effect every day after 8 a.m. in all other beachfront lots, including holidays. Parking is free on Second Street and in public lots along Second Street.

Where does the race start?
The start line is on the concrete boat launch ramp at 1 Granada Ave. The parking lot will close once it becomes full, and will re-open as spaces become available.

Where is the best place to park on race day?
Parking kiosks are in effect at beachfront parking lots (even on holidays) at Granada Ave., Claremont Ave., La Verne Ave., and at the Belmont Pier. See parking lots on this map. We suggest you park on Second Street at a meter or in a public street parking spot.

How early should I get to the starting line on race day?
We suggest being there at least 10 minutes before your start time.  We expect 1,000 to 1,500 runners/walkers at 7 and 8:30 a.m. And, about 600 runners at 10 a.m.

Where can spectators watch the race?
Spectators can watch from anywhere along the course. Many enjoy lining up behind the start/finish line chute.

WHAT’S ALLOWED IN THE RACE

Are baby strollers allowed in the race?
Single strollers (with babies also registered) are allowed at all start times, but we prefer they do the 10 a.m. Double strollers are NOT allowed at the 7 or 8:30 a.m. start times. Please also let faster runners pass while you are on the course. Babies in strollers can be registered for a lower rate using the 1/2-Mile Wingding registration. Our insurance and liability policies require a paid registration for every person on our race course, even babies.

Can my dog run with me?
No, we do not allow dogs on our course. It's the law and not part of our event's permit.

Are bikes, roller blades, scooters, skateboards, wagons or pets allowed on the course?
No, for safety and liability reasons, we do not allow them on our race course. Wheelchairs are allowed for those that need them. No Native American costumes.

Can I listen to headphones while participating?
We don’t recommend them.  We want you alert to what is going on around you.  And, you won’t be able to hear all the gobble-gobbles!

Can I wear a costume?
Yes, but no Native American costumes at the Long Beach Turkey Trot. It is our policy to treat people with honor, dignity and respect -- regardless of their beliefs, gender, age, race, creed, sexual orientation, special needs and ethnicity. 


RACE RESULTS

Where and when will the race results be posted?
This is a fun run, no-frills fundraising event for charity, with no timing and no race results.  The charity makes a lot more money that way, without hiring a timing company.

VOLUNTEERS

Where is Volunteer Check-In?
Ask for the volunteer captain at the volunteer/help desk at the registration area.  The area is located on the boat launch ramp at 1 Granada Ave.

How do I get my volunteer slip signed for school?
Please get it signed by the volunteer captain at the volunteer/help desk at the registration area.


KIDS ½-MILE WINGDING

What are the age divisions for the Kids’ Run?
• ages 7 & younger
• ages 8-12

When and where does the Kids Wingding take place?
9:40 a.m. start for ages 8-12, followed by the 9:45 a.m. start for ages 7 and younger. Parents are welcome to run alongside their child (only if they are registered and wear their own bib). The top boy and girl at each of the two start times will receive a small prize at the finish line.

If my child registers for the 5K/10K race, can they still run in the Kids ½-Mile Wingding?
No, each child must register and have a Kids ½-Mile Winding bib to participate in the Kids ½-Mile Wingding.

Can I run with my child?
Parents may run with their children, but must also register for the Kids ½-Mile Wingding and must also wear the 1/2-Mile Wingding bib.

I’ve lost my child what do I do?
Go to the volunteer/help desk booth in the registration area. We can make an annoucement.

SHIRTS & BIBS

When/where do we pick up our official Long Beach Turkey Trot shirts and bibs?
Go to the registration area on the boat launch ramp at 1 Granada Ave., at the end of the parking lot, just east of the Belmont Pool on the day before Thanksgiving from 3:30-6:30 p.m., or on race morning after 6:15 a.m.  Shirts must be picked up at least 30 minutes before your race begins.  We do not mail shirts.

Do the race shirts come in women's and men's sizes?
Yes, women will be given women’s styled shirts.  About 60% of the adult shirts will be styled for women.  The youth sizes and adult 2XL and adult 3XL are unisex. NOTE: The shirts are white.

What sizes of shirts are available?
Sizes YS, YM, YL, S, M, L, XL, 2XL and 3XL (example: YS = youth small, S = adult small)

Do you have long-sleeve shirts?
Yes, you can upgrade to a long-sleeve shirt for just $10/cash, if/while supplies are available. 

MISCELLANEOUS

Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are located at the start/finish area at 1 Granada Ave. Also, there are public restrooms and water fountains approx. every mile along the beach path and on the Belmont Pier. 

Are there lockers?
No.

Do I have to pay for beachfront lot parking?
Yes. The beachfront lots charge every day, including holidays. Pay station kiosks are located at the entrance and throughout the parking lot. The pay stations accept cash, Visa/Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

I’ve lost someone (child, parent, friend) what do I do?
There will be a “volunteer/help desk” table/booth setup near the registration area/start line. Go there to let the volunteer captain there know.

Will there be refreshments?
There will be some refreshments for registrants wearing bibs after their race that is expected to include water, bananas and oranges (thanks to the Fruit Guys!), and Clif Bars.

What if I need medical help at the end of the race?
The medical tent will be located just past the finish line. Nursing students are expected to staff the tent. There will be a first aid kit. Call 9-1-1 for an emergency.

Will there be medical help on the race course?
If you need help along the course, please contact a volunteer at the 5K or 10K turnaround station.  Always call 9-1-1 for an emergency. 

FREE HOLIDAY PIES

Can I have one of the 600 FREE HOLIDAY PIES you are giving out at the finish line?
Basically, every 5th person will get a whole pumpkin, Dutch apple, cherry or peach pie from one of the Miss Long Beach or Miss Southern California Cities titleholders as he/she crosses the finish line. No need to ask for one -- they have a secret distribution method that is strictly adhered to, and it's based on bib numbers.

Why do you give out pies?
Frankly, we all like to eat pie! In the Greek games, a judge would stand at the finish line holding, in plain sight, the laurel leaves that would be awarded to the winner. As runners made their way down the final stretch, they were worn out, exhausted, tired, and feeling as though they couldn't go another step. But suddenly there was the prize in clear view, and a new burst of energy would kick in.

GOT ANOTHER QUESTION OR SUGGESTION?
E-mail the race director at Justin@JustinRudd.com.

PRIZES
We will award a prize, a pie, and a blue ribbon to the overall man and woman in the 5K and 10K for all three start times. And, each 2nd and 3rd place will receive a ribbon and holiday pie.

PLEASE CARPOOL OR WALK TO THE START LINE
We encourage locals to walk, take the bus or ride bikes. We'll have lots of available bike racks. Long Beach Transit uses a "Sunday" schedule on Thanksgiving Day.

FREE STUFF!
Awesome T-shirts to all runners and walkers (not guaranteed to late registrants). And, 600 holiday pies to random finishers, thanks to the Miss Long Beach Pageant!

1/2-MILE, 5K & 10K COURSES
The Start & Finish lines are beachfront at 1 Granada Ave. in the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach, just east of the Belmont Pool. The flat “out-and-back” course, which heads toward the Queen Mary and downtown Long Beach, is along the very flat, scenic beach path. The turn-around for the 5K course is near the Junipero Ave. parking lot. The turn-around for the 10K course is near Shoreline Village at Gangway V, just past the Shoreline Yacht Club. COURSE MAP

YOU CAN: DO 2 OR 3 RACES
Yes, it's possible to run at 7, 8:30 AND 10. It's just regular price for the first start time, and $10 for each additional start time. Pay with cash or check at packet pickup.

SPONSORS
Justin Rudd and his 501c3 nonprofit Community Action Team (CAT); Councilman Suzie Price's office; Grunion Gazette. Fruit sponsored by the Fruit Guys!