Denver Turkey Trot: Mile High United Way Race Guide and Post-Run Beer

Key takeaways

• The Mile High United Way Turkey Trot is a 4-mile race/walk in Denver's Washington Park on Thursday, November 26, 2026. It's the 53rd annual race.
• Three waves start at 9:00, 9:30 and 10:00 a.m., and a 1-mile Lil' Gobbler family fun run starts at 10:15 a.m.
• The race starts at South High School. Wave 1 corrals open at 8:15, and corrals close 20 minutes before each wave.
• Strollers and well-mannered dogs on short leashes are welcome.
• There's a post-race Great Divide Beer Garden (21+ with valid ID).

The Mile High United Way Turkey Trot is Denver's big Thanksgiving morning run, with about 11,600 runners last year. It's a 4-mile course, not a 5K, so plan your pace and your crew's expectations accordingly. If your crew already runs a brewery route or a beer mile, this is the holiday version of the same ritual: earn it, then drink to it. Here's the briefing for a run club captain.

Details below come from the official race page as of November 11, 2026. Some practical details on that page look left over from earlier years, so I've flagged them. Confirm with the race page and your registration email before race day.

What is the Denver Turkey Trot and who benefits?

It's the 53rd annual Mile High United Way Turkey Trot, held in Washington Park (1700 E. Louisiana Ave., Denver, CO 80210). Participation supports Mile High United Way's work in early learning, young adult education and housing support, and basic needs. The page says nearly 11,600 runners took part last year and raised more than $770,000. It's also a qualifier for the BolderBoulder 10K.

What distances and course should you expect?

The main event is a 4-mile race/walk. The course starts at South High School, and a course map is linked on the race page. There's also the Lil' Gobbler Family Fun Run, a 1-mile walk or run for kids and families. I didn't find an elevation profile or a route description, so I'm not describing the course.

What's the race-day schedule?

Corrals close 20 minutes before each wave, so don't cut it close. Adaptive athletes of any pace may take the early 9:00 start if they're at the front of the line by 8:45. The page notes that the 9:00 and 9:30 waves tend to be the more competitive ones, so a mixed-pace crew may prefer a later wave.

How do you register, and what does it cost?

Registration runs through Race Roster, linked from the race page. The page doesn't state fees or deadlines, so check the price when you register. You can also register on-site Thanksgiving morning at the tents in front of South High School, but shirt sizes can't be guaranteed for race-day registrants, and the page recommends arriving 45 minutes before your wave. Your entry includes a custom bib and one t-shirt, plus any add-ons you buy. The refund policy isn't stated, so assume it's strict until you confirm.

Packet pickup

Pickup is at Fleet Feet Cherry Creek (3000 E. 1st Ave., #112, Denver, in the mall with an exterior entrance), and on race morning from 7:30 a.m. in front of South High School. The pickup dates listed on the page look outdated, so confirm the days and hours in your registration email before you go. If one person is collecting packets for family or teammates, they'll need each person's first and last name.

How do you get there and where do you park?

Parking is at South High School, around the perimeter of Washington Park, and in the All City Stadium lot just south of the school. The page doesn't mention public transit, so carpool with your crew and get there early. Streets and spots near a race this size fill quickly. Set a meeting landmark a block or two from the start, since phone service gets patchy in crowds.

Strollers, dogs and first-timers

• Strollers and wagons: Welcome. Start toward the back of your wave.
• Dogs: Welcome if well-mannered and on a non-retractable leash no longer than 6 feet.
• Not allowed: Bikes, scooters, skateboards and other wheeled recreational equipment.
• Walkers and first-timers: Line up toward the rear and enjoy it. There's a costume contest during the start waves, with prizes.

The Finish Village also has a nursing and changing station, medical personnel and a Lil' Gobbler Family Fun Zone with games and face painting.

The post-run beer

Good news for a beer-minded crew: the finish has a Great Divide Beer Garden (21+ with valid ID). That makes the post-run beer part of the morning, not a separate trip. Plan to hang around after you finish, and take a rideshare or have a designated driver afterward. The plan is to enjoy the drink, not to drive on it.

Should you track it in Run4It?

If your crew logs streaks and weekly challenges, a tracker keeps the habit going after the race. Run4It tracks your run and shows the drink those miles earned, so four miles on Thanksgiving becomes four miles on your streak. The earned drink is a motivational count, not a purchase, and the app doesn't sell or redeem drinks.

Run4It also logs workouts you add by hand (weights, bike, swim, yoga and more), and the weekly Run4It Combo is 2 runs + 1 workout, so the Turkey Trot can be one of your two runs. If you want pace analysis or segment leaderboards, Strava does that better. Run4It is built for the ritual.

FAQ

How long is the Denver Turkey Trot?
Four miles, plus a 1-mile family fun run. There's no 5K or 10K.

Does it run in the rain or snow?
The page says the race takes place rain or shine and advises dressing for unpredictable November weather. Layers you can shed work well.

Is it timed?
The page doesn't name a timing provider or describe the timing method, so check the race page. The results link on the page points to an older year, so the 2026 results location isn't confirmed.

Are there bag drop or a costume contest?
There's a costume contest with prizes during the start waves. The page doesn't mention bag drop, so ask the organizers if you need it.

Who do I contact with questions?
The race page lists info@halsports.net.

FINISHED! TURKEY STYLE. Run for it. You earned it.

Run4It is for adults 21 and over. Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Run4It is an independent app and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot, Great Divide or any brewery mentioned.

Sources: Mile High United Way Turkey Trot, Visit Denver event listing