
San Miguel County Annual Turkey Trot 5K | A Thanksgiving Tradition in the Heart of the San Juans
Gobble, Trot, Repeat — The 13th Annual San Miguel County Turkey Trot 5K
Thanksgiving morning in Telluride means one thing — time to earn that extra slice of pie! The San Miguel County Annual Turkey Trot 5K returns for its 13th year on Thursday, November 27, 2025, bringing together locals, visitors, and four-legged friends for one of the most beloved holiday traditions in the San Juan Mountains.
It’s free. It’s festive. And it’s as Telluride as pumpkin pie and mountain views.
Hosted by San Miguel County, this community race is funded by local property tax dollars — a fun, family-friendly way to give thanks for the place we call home.
📅 Event Details
📆 Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving Day)
🕤 Time: 9:45 AM race start | 9:30 AM raffle | 9:00–9:25 AM check-in
📍 Location: Ilium Valley, at the intersection of Sunshine Road & Ilium Road (County Road 63L)
💵 Entry Fee: FREE
🐾 Who’s Welcome: Adults, kids, babies, and leashed, well-behaved dogs
🥧 Race History & Fun Facts
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The first Turkey Trot was held in 2012, with just 42 participants.
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The course originally wound through Vance Junction, the Galloping Goose Trail, and Coal Chutes Loop before finishing along Sunshine Mesa Road.
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The event was paused in 2020 but returned strong in 2021 with a record 186 participants.
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In 2024, 43 racers (plus a few dogs in costume) joined the fun!
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The fastest records to date?
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Male: Wille Milam – 15:35
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Female: Madeline Burns – 20:21
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Kid (12 & under): Soren Scoville – 23:15
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🎁 What to Expect This Year
This year’s event promises all the traditions we love — community, laughter, and a little friendly competition.
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9:30 AM Raffle: Only for online registrants — prizes include frozen turkeys, hams, and pies.
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9:45 AM Race Start: Lace up and get ready to trot!
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Awards Ceremony: Prizes for Fastest Male, Fastest Female, Fastest Kid, and Best Costume (think turkey feathers and pilgrim hats).
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Free Swag: Every participant receives a free gift to take home.
Pro Tip: Costumes are highly encouraged — the sillier, the better. Past winners have featured full turkey suits, hand-traced shirts, and even pumpkin pies on the run!
🦃 Registration
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Register Online: before Wednesday, November 26, at 12:00 PM.
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Race Day Registration: 9:00 AM–9:25 AM (note: late registrants do not get a raffle ticket).
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Every racer must sign a liability waiver before receiving a bib.
👉 Register for the San Miguel County Turkey Trot 5K
🏔️ Why We Love It
At Mountain Rose Realty, we believe Telluride’s true luxury is its lifestyle — and events like the Turkey Trot 5K capture that perfectly. Families, neighbors, and visitors gather in the brisk mountain air to move, laugh, and celebrate together before cozying up for a Thanksgiving feast.
This community tradition is one more reason Telluride Real Estate holds its value — it’s not just about homes; it’s about belonging to something joyful and genuine.
👉 Want to explore your options or get a personalized market update?
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the San Miguel County Turkey Trot 5K in 2025, and what time does it start?
- The 13th Annual Turkey Trot is on Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving Day), with a 9:45 AM race start. Check-in opens at 9:00 AM and the raffle begins at 9:30 AM for online registrants.
- Is the Turkey Trot 5K free to enter, and where is it located?
- Yes, the event is completely free and funded by local San Miguel County property tax dollars. The race takes place in Ilium Valley at the intersection of Sunshine Road and Ilium Road (County Road 63L).
- Can I bring my dog to the Turkey Trot, and are there costume prizes?
- Absolutely — leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome and past participants have dressed their dogs in costumes. The event awards Best Costume prizes, and past winners have featured full turkey suits and creative handmade gear; the sillier, the better!
- When is the deadline to register online for the Turkey Trot raffle?
- Online registration closes Wednesday, November 26 at 12:00 PM. Race day registration is available from 9:00–9:25 AM, but late registrants do not receive a raffle ticket.
- What's the course history of the Turkey Trot, and how many people typically participate?
- The Turkey Trot started in 2012 with just 42 participants on a course through Vance Junction, the Galloping Goose Trail, and Coal Chutes Loop. After pausing in 2020, it returned in 2021 with a record 186 participants; in 2024, 43 racers participated.
