Get your sneakers ready! Fall and winter are packed with fun runs across the Seattle area, from spooky Halloween dashes to Turkey Trots and Jingle Bell Runs. Whether you’re chasing personal bests or just looking for a festive morning with the kids, these local races make it easy to get moving together.
No matter the distance, it’s helpful to prepare for the run so your kids (and yourself) can cross the finish line. Get started with these easy training tips.
Here’s a look at the best fall fun runs, Turkey Trots, and holiday runs for Seattle-area families this season.
September: Early Fall Runs
Tacos & Cervezas 5K | Sunday, September 20 | 12 p.m. | 14735 NE 145th Street, Woodinville | $58 for the 5K; free kids’ entry available | Register | All ages | Welcome to the Tacos & Cervezas 5K – Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Style! Kick off with a 5K run or walk, then refuel with mouthwatering tacos and ice-cold cervezas. It’s the perfect blend of health, culture, and celebration—because why not run for tacos? Leashed dogs and strollers are welcome.
October: Halloween Runs and Fall Kickoffs
Seattle Kraken 5K | Saturday, October 3 | Kids Dash 9 a.m., 5K 9:30 a.m. | Green Lake Park, Seattle | Free Kids Dash open to 12 and under, 5K is $40-55 | Register | All ages | Kick off the 2026–27 Kraken season with a family-friendly 5K run/walk around Green Lake. Buoy and special guests join the festivities, and kids can take part in a free, roughly quarter-mile Kids Dash.
Pumpkin Spice Run | Sunday, October 11 | Events begin at 8:30 a.m. | Seward Park | $12 kids’ race; $15 stroller dash; $43 1-mile; $54 5K; $64 10K, before processing fees | Register | All ages | Choose from a Pup Cup Kids’ Race, stroller dash, 1-mile Pumpkin Dash, 5K or 10K at this fun run in Seward Park. Pick a pumpkin from the mini pumpkin patch and run with it! Enjoy a festive fall finish-line celebration.
Where’s Bigfoot 5K | Saturday, October 17 | 10 a.m. | 5520 Ravenna Ave. NE, Seattle | $38 plus processing fee; kids free with no bib, medal or swag | Register | All ages | Don’t miss this opportunity to get moving, enjoy the fresh air, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the legendary Bigfoot!
Alaska Airlines Dawg Dash 5K/10K | Sunday, October 18 | 10K at 9 a.m.; 5K at 9:20 a.m.; Husky Pups Run at 10:15 a.m. | University of Washington, Seattle | 5K/10K $50 plus signup fee through Oct. 17; Husky Pups Run $15 | Register | Run with the pack on the beautiful UW campus. Families can choose the 5K run/walk or 10K, while kids 8 and under can join the Husky Pups Run.
I Can and I Will Run | Sunday, October 18 | 10K at 9 a.m.; 5K at 9:25 a.m.; kids’ races begin at 10:20 a.m. | Green Lake Park | 5K $40; 10K $60; kids’ 1-mile $25; kids’ dash $20, plus processing fees | Register | All ages | This run raises money for the Uncompensated Care Fund at Seattle Children’s Hospital. The event offers a 1-mile run for kids under 12, a 200-meter dash for ages 7-12, and a 100-meter dash for kids under 6. These races start after 10 a.m., see website for exact times. Other races offered are a 5K and a 10K.
Issaquah School Foundation Monster Mash | Saturday, October 24 | 10 a.m. | Lake Sammamish Boat Launch, Issaquah | $35 | Register | All ages | ISF Monster Mash 5K is a community-based, family-friendly event that raises funds for programs that serve students attending all 27 ISD schools. You’ll appreciate the flat, paved, out-and-back route whether you’re setting a new 5K PR or enjoying a brisk walk together as a family! Bring your creativity – festive costumes are encouraged!
Monster Dash in West Seattle | Saturday, October 24 | 5K at 9:30 a.m.; Kids Monster Dash at 10:30 a.m. | 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW | 5K $35, Kids’ Monster Dash $20, Just a shirt $20 | Register | All ages | Join this costumed fall fun run/walk for families, jogging strollers are welcome. The 12 and under Moster Dash starts at 10:30 a.m. They will also have a family fun zone featuring games, activities, prizes, and a photo booth.
Run Scared | Sunday, October 25 | Kids Dash at 8:45 a.m.; 10K at 9:45 a.m.; 5K and 2-mile at 10 a.m. | Seward Park, Seattle | 5K and 2-mile $45; 10K $55; Kids Dash free | Register | Before the race, there is a Halloween treasure hunt for the kids. Event registration includes awesome swag and tons of race day fun, including a costume contest, hot apple cider, candy corn tasting bar, free kids dash, photo booth, and more. The 2026 courses have been redesigned to eliminate the hill.
Captain Jack’s Treasure Run | Kids’ race 9:45 a.m.; 5K 10 a.m.; 8K and 12K 10:10 a.m. | 15670 NE 85th St., Redmond | Kids’ race $10; 5K $50; 8K $54; 12K $60 | Register | All ages | Pre-game Halloween with your best pirate costume while running up a storm on your home turf! Captain Jack’s Treasure Run brings oodles of swash-buckling running fun. Bring a water bottle to this eco-friendly race that doesn’t use disposable cups. Service dogs only.
Trick or Treat 5K | Saturday, October 31 | 10 a.m. | Green Lake Park, 7210 E. Green Lake Dr. N., Seattle | $39; kids free in untimed entry with no bib, medal or swag | Register | All ages | Join us for a spooktacular time at the Trick or Treat 5K ! Lace up your running shoes and get ready for a ghoulishly fun event. This event is perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
Wicked Fast Halloween Run | Saturday, October 31 | 5K at 8:20 a.m.; Kids’ 1K at 9:15 a.m.; 10K at 9:30 a.m. | Dune Peninsula Park, Tacoma | Kids 1K $15; 5K $62; 10K $67. | Register | All ages | Registration includes t-shirts and Halloween-themed medals, a Kids’ 1K Run, plus adult and kid costume contests that are sure to scare the daylights out of you!
Halloween Trick or Trot Run 5K/10K/13.1 | Saturday, October 31 | 7:30 a.m. | Lincoln Park | $30 eco registration; $35 family 1-mile; $37 5K; $42 10K; $45 half-marathon, plus processing fees | Register | All ages; participants under 18 must be with a guardian | Join in a family 1-mile run, a 5K, 10, or half-marathon. Halloween candy will be given out at the finish line. Leashed dogs and strollers welcome.
November: Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving Runs
Kirkland Turkey Trot | Sunday, November 15 | 9 a.m. | Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland | $40+ 5K, $56+ 10K, free Kids Race | Register | All ages | Kick off the holiday season with a family-friendly 5K, 10K and Lil’ Gobbler Kids Race for ages 2-8, taking in the Seattle skyline and the beautiful views of Lake Washington, before returning to Juanita Beach Park via the historic Market Street Bridge.
Jumping Mouse Turkey Trot | Saturday, November 21 | Kids’ 1-mile at 9 a.m.; 5K at 9:30 a.m. | The Larry Scott Trail, Port Townsend | $15 – $35 | Register | All Ages | Whether you’re running, walking, or trotting with family and friends in the 1-mile kids’ trot or the 5K, every step you take helps support Jumping Mouse Children’s Center and its mission to provide transformative therapy and advocacy for children’s mental health. Dogs and strollers are allowed.
Tacky Turkey Sweater 5 K | Sunday, November 22 | 10 a.m. | Green Lake Park, 7210 E. Green Lake Dr. N., Seattle | $34 adults, $24 Kids’ 5K under age 14, Kids dash free with no bib or medal | Register | All ages | Gobble, Jog, and Strut Your Stuff! Dig out your most outrageous, over-the-top, turkey or holiday-themed sweater (the tackier, the better!) and jog, waddle, or strut your way through a 5K course filled with laughter, fall vibes, and questionable fashion choices. Service dogs only.
Carnation Turkey Trot | Saturday, November 21 | Kids Gobble Dash 9 a.m.; 5K 9:30 a.m. | Remlinger Farms | See registration for current pricing | Register | All ages | The 5K course will take you all along the country roads and paths on the farm. No cars will be on the course. The Kids Dash is about 100 yards and will be held right before the 5K, so everyone can be there to cheer on the little Gobblers. On the day of the event, please bring non-perishable food items to benefit the Tolt UCC Food Pantry in Carnation.
Holmes Chiropractic Care Turkey Trot | Thursday, November 26 | 8 a.m. | Judson Street, Gig Harbor | 12 and under free; $30 through Nov. 25; $60 race day | Register | All ages | This family-friendly 5K goes around the harbor and is for all ages and abilities. In the spirit of giving, participants are encouraged to bring two cans of food for donation, supporting local charities such as BackPack for Kids and the FISH Food Bank. No dogs allowed.
Holmes Chiropractic Care Turkey Trot (Image: Dr. Timothy Holmes)
Issaquah Turkey Trot | Thursday, November 26 | 9 a.m. | Downtown Issaquah | Ages 10 and under $15; ages 11+ $35 through Oct. 30, $40 Oct. 31–Nov. 25, $45 Thanksgiving Day | Register | All ages | This event is a casual run, jog, or walk over a 3-mile distance. If you don’t want to do an entire 5K, this course offers lots of shortcuts. Kids can participate in a “Gobble Wobble” along the route, and the race welcomes Thanksgiving costumes and accessories for the costume contest. Leashed dogs, kids on bikes, and strollers are welcome; see rules on website.
Magnuson Turkey Trot | Thursday, November 26 | Kids Dash 9:15 a.m.; 5K, 10K and 15K 9:30 a.m. | Magnuson Park | Kids $6; 5K $32; 10K $38; 15K $43 | Register | All ages | Calling all runners, waddlers, and trotters to this year’s Turkey Trot. This event will be supporting Food Lifeline. Bring food products to donate to the University Food Bank if you are able. Leashed dogs and strollers are welcome.
Maple Valley Turkey Trot | Thursday, November 26 | 9 a.m. | Lake Wilderness Park | $40 | Register | Lake Wilderness Park | $40 | Register | All ages | A fun walk or trot organized with the intention of coming together as a community during the Thanksgiving holiday to help those in need. We encourage Thanksgiving costumes & accessories! Strollers welcome, dogs not allowed.
Mukilteo Turkey Trot | Thursday, November 26 | 5K starts at 8:15 a.m. | Kamiak High School, Mukilteo | 5K $56, 10K $61, Kids’ Run $18 | Register | Get your run in before the big feast! The course will have some gentle rolling hills but will be mostly flat and fast on closed roads within the Harbour Pointe Community in Mukilteo. Includes a Little Turkey Trot Kids’ Run for kids 6 and under. Strollers are welcome, but no dogs allowed.
Norpoint Turkey Trot | Thursday, November 26 | 9 a.m. | Center at Norpoint, Tacoma | $35 | Register | All ages | Tacoma’s original Thanksgiving fun run offers a family-friendly 3K or 5K run/walk through northeast Tacoma. This course is stroller and animal-friendly.
Tacoma City Turkey Trot 5K | Thursday, November 26 | 5K 9 a.m.; Kids 1K 10:15 a.m. | Fleet Feet Tacoma, Proctor District | 5K $57; Kids 1K $10 | Register | All ages; Kids 1K ages 12 and under | Start Thanksgiving with a family-friendly 5K run/walk through Tacoma’s Proctor District, followed by a Kids 1K. Thanksgiving costumes and accessories are encouraged.
Ten Trails Active Club 5K Turkey Trot | Thursday, November 26 | 8:30 a.m. | 23089 SE Fir St., Black Diamond | Free | Register | All ages | The event is open to folks of all skill levels. There will be prize categories for both walkers and runners, and if you’re lucky, you may even get to bring home one of our Thanksgiving Day desserts that will be raffled off after the event! We will be collecting food donations for a local food bank. Strollers allowed. Registration is capped at 250 participants for 2026, with no race-day registration.
(Image courtesy Ten Trails Turkey Trot)
Thanksgiving Day Apple Cup 5K | Thursday, November 26 | 9:30 a.m. | Green Lake Park | $25+; ages 18 and under $15 | Register | All ages | Celebrate both Thanksgiving AND Apple Cup at the same time! Come run in your Husky or Cougar colors, or if you are not either, sport your own colors or dress up as a turkey! You may also drop off any canned food items if you would like to donate. Dogs not allowed, strollers welcome.
Woodinville Turkey Trot | Thursday, November 26 | Kids’ Dash 8:45 a.m.; 5K 9 a.m. | Wilmot Park, Woodinville | Kids’ Dash $5; 5K $40 | Register | All ages | A Kids’ Parade will be led by the Woodinville HS Marching band. At our Kids’ Dash, the kids 6 and under will run a short course of about 200 yards on the trail. The morning should get your Thanksgiving Day off to a great start before that turkey dinner.
2026 Seattle Kids’ Marathon | Saturday, November 28 | 9 a.m. | Bell Harbor, Pier 66 | $29 | Register | Kids can run a marathon at their own pace by running at home, one mile at a time. Parents or coaches track miles, and on race day, kids run 1.2 miles. After the race, kids get a medal and enjoy post-race goodies with their families, such as a hot chocolate garden, vendors, music, and more. One adult can run with a child, but must have a race bib. No dogs or strollers allowed.
December: Holiday Runs and Festive 5Ks
The Electric Cookie Run | Saturday, December 5 | 5 p.m. | Green Lake | $47 one loop; $57 two loops through Oct. 31; then $52/$62 | Register | Ages 6 and up for the main run | Justify your holiday cookie consumption in style at the Electric Cookie Run! Dress up in some fun holiday regalia, including some lights! No dogs or strollers allowed.
Holiday on the Bay 5K and Kids Dash | Sunday, December 6 | 9 a.m. | Port of Everett | 5K $45, Kids Dash $15 | Register | All ages | Runners and walkers of all skill levels are encouraged to join in on the fun and be sure to don your best blue and white winter-themed garb for the race. Participants will enjoy a picturesque flat route with sweeping views of the Port of Everett Marina, Port Gardner Bay, and the Olympic Mountains.
K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run & Walk | Sunday, December 6 | 9:15 a.m. | Renton Community Center | Early bird: ages 4–17 $20, ages 18+ $30 | Register | All ages | Families (with or without) dogs are all invited. If registered before 10 a.m. on Friday, November 21, participants will receive a hooded sweatshirt. Don’t forget about our Annual Pet Food Drive for furry friends in need, help us FILL THE TRUCK! Strollers welcome, read the rules for dogs on the site.
Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk | Saturday, December 12 | 10K 9:50 a.m.; 5K 10 a.m. | Hogan Park, Kent | Ages 13 and under free; $20 no shirt; $35 with shirt; race-day $25 no shirt | Registration | All ages | If you don’t want to buy a shirt, you can check out their “garage sale” and purchase a previous year’s shirt for $5. There will be no shirts available on race day. Strollers allowed, but no dogs.
Jingle Bell Run | Sunday, December 13 | 8:30 a.m. | Gas Works Park | Pricing TBA | Register | All ages | Get ready for the Jingle Bell Run, the original festive race for charity brought to you by the Arthritis Foundation. Wear your favorite holiday gear! There will be a Kids’ Fun Run with the Elves. Dogs and strollers are allowed. The 2026 event includes 12K and 5K options plus the Kids Run.
Holiday Fun Run | Saturday, December 19 | 10 a.m. | Magnuson Park | Kids $6; 5K $32; 10K $38; 15K $42 | Register | All ages | It’s time to spread some holiday cheer, and miles! We have our classic 5k, 10k, 15k runs and kids’ dash. After you cross the finish line, you can treat yourself to our hot chocolate bar. Holiday sweaters, hats, and socks are all encouraged. Prizes for best dressed! Strollers and dogs are allowed.
Jingle Bell Run at Wright Park | Thursday, December 24 | 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. | Wright Park, Tacoma | Pricing TBA | Register | 2026 age requirements TBA | Come enjoy a much-deserved break while the kids burn off energy at the return of the Jingle Bell Run. This 3-mile holiday run/walk is a family favorite and a great way to spend quality time outdoors during the busy holiday season. Parks Tacoma is partnering with Tacoma Rescue Mission to collect donations for warm winter items and essential goods. Strollers allowed, but no dogs.
