Turlock Turkey Trot: October 21 Is the Shirt Deadline
Turlock’s Turkey Trot is a month away, but the deadline for a guaranteed custom race shirt is Wednesday, October 21. If the shirt is part of your family tradition, this is the day to get your entry in.
The 52nd annual Turkey Trot Fun Run takes place Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Donnelly Park. There are three choices: a children’s one-mile run, a two-mile run for ages 13 and older, and a one-mile walk for ages 13 and older.
What the October 21 Deadline Means
The city’s current registration notices say entries after October 21 are not guaranteed a shirt. That is a shirt deadline, rather than an announcement that registration ends today. The city does not give a cutoff hour on the event page.
Registration runs through the city’s CommunityPass catalog. Choose a session before adding an entry to your cart. A household with children and adults may need more than one session, even though everyone is going to the same park.
Pick the Right Race or Walk
- Children’s one-mile run: $22. For ages 12 and younger.
- Two-mile run: $28. For ages 13 and older.
- One-mile walk: $22. For ages 13 and older.
For a family weighing the cost, two adults entering the two-mile run and two children entering the mile add up to $100 in listed entry fees. If those adults choose the walk, the same four entries total $88.
The walk offers a way to take part without competing for a finishing-place prize. The city awards prizes to leading runners in age groups for the one-mile and two-mile races. Walkers do not receive those finisher prizes, but all participants are entered into the prize drawing.
The Morning Starts Before the First Race
The current registration notices list check-in at 8:15 AM and the one-mile race at 9 AM. The two-mile race starts five minutes after the last one-mile runner finishes.
That sequence gives families with runners in both distances something useful to plan around. Adults running the longer race should expect its start to depend on the children’s event. Setting an alarm for a presumed 9:05 AM start would get the schedule wrong.
The walk listing repeats those race notices without a separate walk start. If you are entering the walk, confirm its instructions with Recreation at (209) 668-5594 rather than assuming the running schedule answers that question.
Getting to Donnelly Park
Donnelly Park is at 600 Pedras Road, Turlock. Use the park address for directions, then follow the event’s check-in instructions when you arrive.
The park opened in 1974 and covers 40 acres, according to the city’s park history. Its pond, lawns and playgrounds make it familiar territory for many Turlock families. Our Donnelly Park guide covers the park’s history and everyday facilities.
Before You Register
Decide who is running and who is walking, then check each person’s age against the session you select. Save the registration confirmation so you can find the instructions again before November 21.
If someone in your group needs an accommodation, or you have a question about bringing a stroller, ask Recreation before choosing an entry. Those details are worth settling while making your plans.
Want the custom shirt? Use the city’s Turkey Trot registration catalog by October 21. For more outings this fall, browse our local events calendar.
Running or Walking This Year?
Which Turkey Trot event are you entering? Share your plans or a memory from a past race on Facebook.
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