Parker Parks and Recreation Turkey Day 5K FUN Run/Walk

Turkey Day 5K FUN Run/Walk

 

The tradition continues! Celebrate Thanksgiving Day with family and friends while getting a workout.

Date: Nov. 26, 2026
Time: 8-8:15 a.m., (waves based on pace) 
Location: Start and Finish at Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E. Lincoln Ave. Note: some mapping applications may route users to a different location. Please be sure to check the address and name of location to ensure you arrive to the correct event location. 
Standard 5K Cost: $38* (plus registration fee)
*Register early, price increases on November 12. Event-day registration is available for an additional fee if space remains.

NEW! Groups of 4 or more who register in the same transaction will receive 10% off race entry.

Part of the Parker Parks and Recreation Run Series, the family-friendly Turkey Day 5K is a laid-back trot that starts and finishes at the Parker Recreation Center.  This event is not officially timed. Registrants will receive a FREE commemorative shirt, a Finisher Medal (Must opt-in during registration by Nov 20), a souvenir race bib and hot cocoa, cider or coffee. Event participants can purchase previous year commemorative swag: race socks, scarf, beanie and/or gloves for a fee as add-ons during registration.

Strollers are welcome but because of the size of the event and for safety reasons, please leave dogs, bikes and scooters at home. The event is held rain, snow or shine; Refunds will NOT be issued.

Any proceeds from the event will benefit the Town of Parker Scholarship Program, which helps Parker families and/or individuals with limited financial resources participate in Town Recreation programs and facilities. 

Packet Pickup:   Monday Nov. 23 to Wednesday Nov. 25 location TBD. Event day, pick up will begin at 7 a.m. at the Parker Recreation Center. 

Turkey Day 5K Course

The course loop begins at the Parker Recreation Center, heads west on Recreation Dr. (closed road), turns north onto Jordan Rd. (closed lane), turns east onto the E-470 Trail, then south on Cherry Creek Regional Trail, and finishes back at the Recreation Center.

Is the race family friendly? 

Yes! 
Runners/walkers of all skill levels are welcome. The paved course starts and ends near the Parker Recreation Center while looping around Jordan Road onto the Cherry Creek Trail.

What is included in my race registration? 

Registrants receive a pair of commemorative knit gloves, a souvenir bib and hot cocoa, cider or coffee. Commemorative race finisher medals are available for purchase.

Can I pick up my race packet before race day?

Packet pick-up will begin Monday, Nov. 24 through Wednesday, Nov. 26 and is HIGHLY encouraged prior to race day. Packets will be available pre-race Nov. 24 to 26 at RNK Running and Walking in Parker during normal business hours. 
Race day packet pick-up will begin at 7 a.m. at the Parker Recreation Center. You may also pick-up packets for friends and family as well!

Are strollers allowed on the course?

Yes, but we ask that you begin your race behind single and group runners and while out on the course keep to the right-hand side of the pathway to allow runners to pass safely.

Are scooters/bikes allowed on the course?

No.
This race attracts over 1,800 participants and spectators, therefore, for the safety of all runners, scooters and bikes are prohibited.

Are dogs allowed on the course?

No.
This race attracts over 1,800 participants and spectators, therefore, for the safety of all runners, please leave furry friends at home.

Is this race timed?

No.
This race is untimed. If you are interested in your own race time, we ask that you track yours individually.

When is my start time? 

We ask that all race participants are staged in their respective areas and ready to begin by 7:50 a.m. Runners will be released in waves of starting groups based on estimated finish times.

Are there restrooms available on site? 

Yes, but the Recreation Center will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday. There will be several portable restrooms available on site. 

If I can’t make the race, can I get a refund?

Unfortunately, we are unable to process refunds for race registration. However, you may transfer race participation to friends or family up until Wednesday, Nov. 26, one day prior to race day.

What if it rains or snows on race day do you cancel?

No.
This event is held rain, snow or shine!

Can I register on the day of the race?

Yes!
Walk up registration is welcome, if space remains. Please be advised, additional fees may apply for day of registration.

Will there be water stations on the course?

Yes!
Water stations are located on the course and at the start/finish line.

Is the course closed to vehicles and/or pedestrians? 

No.
The race course utilizes both public roads and trails, and remains open to the public during the event. The Parker Police Department will be on site to ensure safety at each road crossing. The far right lane of Jordan Road will be coned off for race participants, while the trail portions of the course will remain open to the public as usual. Please use caution throughout the race.

Is parking available at the event site?

Yes!
Parking will be available at both the Parker Recreation Center Lot and the adjacent Douglas County Lot. However, this event is our most popular race in the Parker Parks and Recreation Run Series. Parking spots fill quickly, so arrive early! Carpooling is highly encouraged. Access to the parking lots will close by 7:45 a.m.

5K: Long Sleeve T-Shirt