The LA Turkey Trail returns to Los Angeles, California on November 26th, offering runners a unique escape into the Santa Monica Mountains for Thanksgiving morning races. The event presents three distinct courses: a half-marathon, a ten-kilometer race, and a five-kilometer fun run and hike, each taking participants through scenic trails with breathtaking views of Los Angeles County. Race day in Los Angeles typically greets runners with mild temperatures around 70°F at the start time, ideal for early morning runs. The Santa Monica Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the race, featuring fire roads that offer panoramic vistas over the city and down towards the ocean. Runners can expect firm yet slightly soft trail conditions underfoot as they navigate through sections of chaparral-covered hillsides. The LA Turkey Trail has been an annual tradition for several years now, drawing hundreds of participants each Thanksgiving morning who come to enjoy a challenging but rewarding run in one of Los Angeles’ most scenic areas. The race supports the West Valley Food Bank with a canned food drive at registration and includes post-race festivities like a beer garden, breakfast tacos, sports massages, and an awards ceremony for half-marathoners and ten-kilometer runners. The course begins from the Top of Reseda Trailhead along 3539 Reseda Blvd., leading participants through fire roads that wind up towards the Nike Missile Tower before descending down Westridge. The terrain is varied with gradual ascents followed by steep descents, offering both technical singletrack and smoother fire road sections throughout. On race day, temperatures range between 60°F to 75°F in Los Angeles during November, providing a comfortable climate for early morning races. Humidity levels are generally low at around 40%, ensuring dry conditions that do not hinder performance. The UV index is expected to be at the 'low' level of 2.0 (Low), making it safe and easy on runners’ skin. The race offers a half-marathon, ten-kilometer run, and five-kilometer fun run and hike for all levels.
5k Fun Run & Hike 5K • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $78.00
Participants can register online through https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133980. Fees are $115.00 for the half-marathon, $87.00 for the ten kilometer race, and $78.00 for the five-kilometer event. The last day to register is November 24th. Packet pickup occurs on Thanksgiving morning from 6:00am at the start location of 3539 Reseda Blvd., where participants can also drop off canned food donations for the West Valley Food Bank. Race-day registration will be available if spots are still open, but early sign-up is recommended due to limited availability. The race begins and ends at the Top of Reseda Trailhead on 3539 Reseda Blvd., with start times staggered throughout Thanksgiving morning starting from 7:00am for half-marathoners and rolling starts thereafter. The event welcomes runners aged six years and older, but minors under eighteen must have a signed waiver by their parent or guardian. The LA Turkey Trail in Los Angeles on November 26th is an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains while supporting local charities through canned food donations at registration.
Races Offered
1/2 Marathon
Nov 26, 2026
straighten
Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$115.00
10k
Nov 26, 2026
straighten
Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:30
sell
$87.00
5k Fun Run & Hike
Nov 26, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:30
sell
$78.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for November in Los Angeles.
thermostatTemperature
10.8° / 22.8°
wb_sunnyFeels like
8.6° / 20.6°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
8h 42m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.6 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
5.8 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
57.8%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:26
nightlight
Sunset
17:49
About Los Angeles
Learn more about the host city, Los Angeles.
Frank Lloyd Wright is said to have quipped, "Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles," a quote that has since been repeated both by those who love and hate L.A. The "City of Angels" is home to people who hail from all parts of the globe and an important center of culture, business, media, and international trade. However, it's most famous for being a major center of the world's television, motion picture, and music industry, which forms the base of the city's status and lures visitors for its show business history and celebrity culture. Visitors are also drawn to Los Angeles for its Mediterranean climate and numerous beaches, which gave birth to California's famed surf culture.
