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.

Flyer with a cartoon turkey pulling a wagon with pumpkins.


📅 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

  • The first Turkey Trot was held in 2012, with just 42 participants.

  • The course originally wound through Vance Junction, the Galloping Goose Trail, and Coal Chutes Loop before finishing along Sunshine Mesa Road.

  • The event was paused in 2020 but returned strong in 2021 with a record 186 participants.

  • In 2024, 43 racers (plus a few dogs in costume) joined the fun!

  • The fastest records to date?

    • Male: Wille Milam – 15:35

    • Female: Madeline Burns – 20:21

    • Kid (12 & under): Soren Scoville – 23:15


🎁 What to Expect This Year

This year’s event promises all the traditions we love — community, laughter, and a little friendly competition.

  • 9:30 AM Raffle: Only for online registrants — prizes include frozen turkeys, hams, and pies.

  • 9:45 AM Race Start: Lace up and get ready to trot!

  • Awards Ceremony: Prizes for Fastest Male, Fastest Female, Fastest Kid, and Best Costume (think turkey feathers and pilgrim hats).

  • 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

  • Register Online: before Wednesday, November 26, at 12:00 PM.

  • Race Day Registration: 9:00 AM–9:25 AM (note: late registrants do not get a raffle ticket).

  • 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?
Let’s talk. Schedule your private consultation today –

📲 Stay connected and get the latest Telluride real estate insights—follow us on social!
Contact Mountain Rose Realty
Facebook
Instagram

Similar Resources

Enjoying this article? If so, here are some similar resources.

Telluride PEAK SHEET: January 19 – 25

Read Article

Telluride Air and Lodging: March 1 – 7

Read Article

The War and Treaty Live in Concert at the Historic Sheridan Opera House | Telluride’s Soulful Night Out

Read Article

Schedule a Meeting

Have questions or want to discuss your needs in detail? Schedule a meeting at a time that works best for you. Simply choose an available time from the calendar below, and we’ll connect to discuss how we can help.