There’s no shame in hanging around Athens for the Thanksgiving holiday break. In fact, it can be downright peaceful with the other students and many locals gone too. If you find yourself looking for a source of community on the holiday, look no further than the Athens Turkey Trot.
The 17th annual 5k event takes place on November 27th, 2025 (better known as turkey day), and the best part is that there’s absolutely zero pressure to run. The Athens Turkey Trot is all about choice—participants can walk the whole way or take short walking breaks intermittently.
The Turkey Trot is a Great Way to Get Exercise
Nothing beats the cool temperatures of a fall day in Athens. The Turkey Trot starts at 8:30am at the West State Street Park shelter house and takes participants on a course that leads along the Hocking-Adena Bikeway. It’s a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy some light to moderate cardio.
If you’ve got friends hanging back at their off-campus rentals too, bring them along and make it a Thanksgiving morning social event. Entirely walking a 5k only takes roughly an hour on average, so the event isn’t a major time sink by any means either.
Hungry After the 5k? Host a Friendsgiving Meal
Hanging around town for a major holiday can feel isolating. Invite other friends or acquaintances who are in the same boat to your college rental pad for a Friendsgiving. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate either. A handful of easy-to-prepare courses, some snacks, and—don’t forget—drinks go a long way in making another person feel at home.
Visit the signup website to register for the Athens Turkey Trot, and make this Thanksgiving one to remember.