Registration Is Open for Newark’s 49th Annual Turkey Day Race
Newark’s Thanksgiving morning tradition returns November 26, with registration now open for the five-mile race benefiting the Newark Cross Country Boosters.
For nearly half a century, Thanksgiving morning in Newark has meant more than turkey, football and getting ready for the holiday meal. For generations of local runners, families, alumni and community members, it has also meant lacing up their running shoes for the annual Newark Turkey Day Race.
Registration is now open for the 49th annual Newark Turkey Day Race, which will take to the streets of the Village of Newark on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2026.
The five-mile road race begins at 9:00 a.m., with race-day check-in starting at 8:00 a.m. at the Alex Eligh Community Center, 303 East Avenue in Newark. From there, runners will head out for a five-mile course through the streets of the village.
A Newark Thanksgiving Tradition With a Purpose
While the Turkey Day Race has become a Thanksgiving tradition in its own right, the event also serves an important purpose for Newark's student-athletes. All proceeds from the race benefit the Newark Cross Country Boosters, helping support the local cross country program.
That makes registering for the race a little more than signing up for five miles on a November morning. It is also an opportunity for runners, former Newark athletes, families and community members to directly support the next generation of Newark runners.
And with the race now entering its 49th year, it is closing in on a milestone few community events get to celebrate: a half-century of bringing people together.
2026 Newark Turkey Day Race: At a Glance
Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026 — Thanksgiving Day
Race: 5-Mile Road Run
Start Time: 9:00 a.m.
Race-Day Check-In: Begins at 8:00 a.m.
Check-In Location: Alex Eligh Community Center, 303 East Avenue, Newark
Beneficiary: Newark Cross Country Boosters
Adult Registration: $30 plus RunSignup processing fee
Age 18 & Under: $20 plus RunSignup processing fee
Late Registration: $35 plus processing fee after 9:00 p.m. November 25
Current registration pricing and deadlines are listed on the official race registration page and are subject to the RunSignup processing fee.
Don't Wait Until Thanksgiving Morning
Registration will remain available through race morning, but there is an incentive to sign up ahead of time. The adult registration price increases after 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25, so runners planning to participate can save by registering in advance.
Whether you're chasing a personal best, continuing a family Thanksgiving tradition, coming home to Newark for the holiday or simply looking for a way to get a few miles in before Thanksgiving dinner, the Turkey Day Race offers a chance to start the holiday alongside the community while supporting Newark's cross country program.
Forty-nine years is a lot of Thanksgiving mornings and a lot of miles through the streets of Newark. This year, another group of runners will add their names to that tradition.
Ready to run?
Register for the 2026 Newark Turkey Day Race on RunSignup
Questions about the race can also be submitted directly to the race organizers through the “Questions?” contact option on the RunSignup race page.
