Whitefish Turkey Trot
November 26, 2026 · Whitefish, MT
Join us for the 17th Annual Whitefish Turkey Trot!
START TIME: Due to the expected number of participants, we will have two waves in this year's Turkey Trot: one for runners (starting at 8:30 am), and one for walkers (starting at 9:30 am).
COURSE: The Whitefish Turkey Trot is now in downtown Whitefish! The 3.1 mile course will be the same as in 2025 — starting and ending outside of the O'Shaughnessy Center. Trotters will go through the tunnel under Baker Ave and immediately make a hard left turn to go up and over the viaduct. Participants will then take the bike path up to Washington Ave, and a sharp 180-degree turn will put them onto Edgewood Place. They will then take that road into residential Whitefish, turn left on Iowa Ave, left on Woodland Place, right on Minnesota Ave, right on Waverly Place, another left on Iowa, and left on Skyles Place. The final mile or so will follow a scenic route from Skyles to Lakeside Boulevard (along Whitefish Lake) and Oregon Ave, with the final stretch following the bike path (along Whitefish River) all the way back to the finish arch outside of the O'Shaughnessy Center.*
*This route is tentative and subject to changes. The course will be coned and marked very well, but it is open to traffic. Please remain on the right side of the road unless otherwise directed. There will be volunteers and certified flaggers at most intersections. (YOU can volunteer to be a course marshal by registering HERE — bring a friend and cheer on the trotters!)
PLEASE NOTE: Weather conditions are variable, and there is a high likelihood of snow and/or ice on the course. While we will do our best to use sand or salt to provide a safe start and finish area, the rest of the course will be left up to Mother Nature. We highly recommend bringing Yaktrax or ice spikes for your running shoes! Furthermore, for your safety and the safety of those around you, music devices and earbuds/earphones are strongly discouraged. If you do carry music, please be sure that you are still able to hear instructions from race officials, directions from course volunteers, motorists that may have made their way onto the course, and warnings from participants that may be overtaking you.
DONATIONS: In addition to the proceeds from this event, we encourage you to bring food donations to the food bank if you are able! In particular, the North Valley Food Bank will be in need of: turkeys, hams, fresh potatoes and yams, canned yams, canned corn, cranberry sauce, pie filling, dehydrated potatoes, stuffing, gravy mix, cornbread mix, crescent rolls, boxed pie crust, butter, olive oil, oats, flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or salt and pepper.
Events
5k Run
2026-11-26 · $15.00
Starts at 8:30 am. Intended for participants who anticipate finishing the course in 45 minutes or less.
5k Walk
2026-11-26 · $15.00
Starts at 9:30 am. Intended for participants who anticipate taking longer than 45 minutes to finish the course.
Schedule
Packet Pickup
Nov 25, 4:30 PM MST – Nov 25, 6:00 PM MST251 Flathead Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937
Skip the lines on Thanksgiving morning! Bibs can be picked up the night before the race from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the North Valley Food Bank. If you're unable to make it, bibs can still be picked up on race-day morning from 7:30-9:10 a.m. inside the O'Shaughnessy Center.
5k Run
Nov 26, 8:30 AM MST- Start/Finish - O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center: 1 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937
5k Walk
Nov 26, 9:30 AM MST- Start/Finish - O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center: 1 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937
FAQ
🏃♂️ Should I do the Run or the Walk?▾
The 5k Run is intended for participants who anticipate finishing the race in 45 minutes or less. If you anticipate taking more than 45 minutes, please register instead for the 5k Walk.
🐕 Are dogs allowed?▾
While we love our four-legged friends, the Whitefish Turkey Trot is NOT allowing dogs at the event this year due to very narrow sections on the course and the sheer number of expected participants.
There is an exception for ADA Service Animals. Service animals must be on a non-retractable, 6 foot-or-less leash, and we ask that you line up toward the back of the start corral for the safety of yourself, your pup, and your fellow trotters.
👨👩👦 Can I run with a stroller?▾
Of course! Strollers are welcome, but we ask that you line up toward the back of the start corral for the safety of yourself, your passengers, and your fellow trotters.
❄️ What if it snows?▾
Please be advised that weather conditions are variable, and there is a HIGH likelihood of snow and/or ice on the course. While we will do our best to use sand or salt to provide a safe start and finish area, the rest of the course will be left up to Mother Nature. We highly recommend bringing Yaktrax or ice spikes for your running shoes!
🚗 Where can I park?▾
Parking is free in downtown Whitefish, and there is a parking garage located at 402 E Second St. Due to the anticipated number of participants, we strongly recommend carpooling if possible!
🏆 Are there awards?▾
As this is primarily a fundraising event, there will be no cash prizes. The top three men and top three women can expect a sweet treat for their accomplishments, and everyone wins the opportunity to get outside, have fun, and raise money for the North Valley Food Bank!
💧 Are there aid stations on the course?▾
There will be no aid stations along this route, however water and light refreshments will be available at the start/finish. Please plan accordingly!
Contact & questions
Results
View race results →Get notified
Follow a participant and we'll email you their live splits and finish time on race day.