Get your sneakers — or turkey feathers — ready! Fall and winter are packed with fun runs across the Seattle area, from spooky Halloween dashes to Turkey Trots and holiday-themed 5Ks. 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.
October: Halloween Runs and Fall Kickoffs
Pumpkin Spice Run | Sunday, October 12 | 9:30 a.m. | Seward Park | $18.37 – $63.21 | Register | All ages | Choose from a Pup Cup Kids’ Race, a 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, and a Pumpkin Spice Latte (included with your registration).
Tacos & Cervesas 5K | Sunday, October 12 | 12 pm. | 14735 NE 145th Street, Woodinville | $54 | 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.
International Sloth Day Run | Saturday, October 18 | 7:30 a.m. | Lincoln Park | $30-$49 | Register | All ages | Sloths will get there! This race includes a family 1-mile run, plus 5K, 10K, and a half-marathon. It doesn’t matter how fast we get there– all that matters is that we get there. Check out those cute T-shirts!
Where’s Bigfoot 5K | Saturday, October 18 | 10 a.m. | 21760 Novelty Hill Road,
Redmond | Kids are free with no bib, medal, or swag, others $48.70 | 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!
I Can and I Will Run | Sunday, October 19 | 9 a.m. | Greenlake Community Center | $27.50-$75.20 | 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 10K.
Issaquah School Foundation Monster Mash | Saturday, October 25 | 10 a.m. | Lake Sammamish Boat Launch, Issaquah | $42.50 | Register | All ages |Help us raise a MONSTROUS amount of support for local students on October 25th! 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 25 | 9:30 a.m. | 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW | 5K $35, Kids’ Monster Dash $20, Just a shirt $20 | Tickets | 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.
Trick or Treat 5K | Saturday, October 25 | 9 a.m. | Green Lake Community Center, East side | $38, kids free but will not receive medal, bib, etc | 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. Leashed dogs welcome, strollers welcome, but the trail is narrow at some points.
Wicked Fast Halloween Run | Saturday, October 25 | 8:30 a.m. | Dune Peninsula Park, Tacoma | $13.20 – $72.05 | 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!
Captain Jack’s Treasure Run | Sunday, October 26 | 9:45 – 10:15 a.m. |15670 NE 85th St., Redmond | $10- $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.
Run Scared | Sunday, October 26 | 8:15 a.m. | 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S., Seattle | 10K $55, 5K and 2 miler $45, virtual race $40, FREE Kids’ Dash | 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.
Strides For Scholars Halloween Fun Run | Sunday, October 26 | 9:30 a.m. | Luther Burbank Park, Mercer Island | $32.80-$42.70 | Register | All ages | A fantastic way to celebrate Halloween that supports a noble cause—raising scholarships for girls in Kenya. Participants can choose between a thrilling 5K run or a delightful 1K race for kids, both featuring a festive Halloween theme.
November: Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving Runs
Halloween Trick or Trot Run | Saturday, November 1 | 7:30 a.m. | Lincoln Park | $32.80 – $52.94 | Register | All ages | 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.
Super Hero 5K | Saturday, November 15 | 10 a.m. | Green Lake Park | Kids free (no bib, medal, or swag, just an untimed race) $32- $48.70 | Register | All ages | Unleash your inner hero and run like the wind. Whether you’re faster than a speeding bullet or more of a leisurely jog while sipping coffee type, the event is perfect for all fitness levels. Capes are optional but highly encouraged. Leashed dogs and strollers welcome.
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s SuperDad! (Image: Danny Griesmer)
Jumping Mouse Turkey Trot | Sat November 22 | 9 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 | Saturday, November 22 | 10 a.m. | $38 adults, $30 Kids’ 5 K under age 14, Kids dash free with no bib or medal, just an untimed race. | 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.
Auburn Turkey Trot | Thursday, November 27 | 9 a.m.| Sunset Park, Auburn | Preschoolers are free, Ages 18 and under, $25, ages 19 +, $40 | Register | All ages | Join Auburn on Thanksgiving morning for this family-friendly 5K run/walk! The race will begin and end at the park and follow a nearly flat route through the heart of Lakeland Hills. Thanksgiving costumes are encouraged. Dogs aren’t allowed, but strollers and preschoolers are welcome.
Carnation Turkey Trot | Saturday, November 22 | 9 a.m. | Remlinger Farms | ages 7 and under, $15, free for volunteers, others $38 | 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 27 | 8 a.m. | Judson Street, Gig Harbor | 12 and under free, others, $30 | 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 27 | 9 a.m. | Downtown Issaquah | Ages 10 and under, $15, ages 11 and up, $35 | 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. 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 27 | 9:15 a.m. | Magnuson Park | $6-$42 | Register | All ages | Calling all runners, waddlers, and trotters to this year’s Turkey Trot. We 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 27 | 9 a.m. | 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 27 | 7:30 a.m. | Kamiak High School, Mukilteo | $18.36-$45.30, kids and student pricing available | 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. Strollers are welcome, but no dogs allowed.
Ten Trails Active Club 5K Turkey Trot | Thursday, November 27 | 8:30 a.m. | 23089 SE Fir St., Black Diamond | Free | Register | Registration capped at 200, no race day registration. | 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.
(Image courtesy Ten Trails Turkey Trot)
Thanksgiving Day Apple Cup 5K | Thursday, November 27 | 9:30 a.m. | Green Lake Park | $15-$30 | 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 27 | 9 a.m. | Wilmot Park, Woodinville | $5-$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.
Bonney Lake Donut Run | Friday, November 28 | 9 a.m. | Fleet Feet Bonney Lake | Free | Register | All ages | This annual event is the perfect way to kick off your Black Friday festivities with family and friends. Enjoy a fun and festive atmosphere as you take part in a scenic 5k run. Best of all, participants can indulge in delicious free donuts and coffee at the finish line!
Olympia Donut Run | Friday, November 28 | 9 a.m.| Fleet Feet Olympia | Free | Register | Bring your friends and family, enjoy a great atmosphere, and, the best part, DONUTS! Free coffee and donuts at the finish line.
Gobble Wobble Turkey Trot | Saturday, November 29 | 7:30 a.m. | Lincoln Park | $30 and up | Register | All ages | Join us in our annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot Run, where you’ll be running off the Turkey! A fun, community 5K, 10K, or Half-Marathon 13.1. Leashed dogs and strollers are allowed.
2025 Seattle Kids’ Marathon | Saturday, November 29 | 9 a.m. | Bell Harbor, Pier 66 | $29.12 | 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 6 | 5 p.m.| Green Lake | $49-$59 | Register | Ages 12 and under can participate in Kids’ races. For 5K and longer, races ages 6-12 must be accompanied by a parent, and kids under age 6 are not allowed | 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 | Sunday, December 7 | 9 a.m. | Port of Everette | $18.34-$56.04 | Register | All ages | We encourage runners and walkers of all skill levels to join in on the fun and be sure to don your best blue and white winter-themed garb for the race.
K9 Candy Cane Run | Sunday, December 7 | 9:15 a.m. | Renton Community Center | 4-17, $30, 17 and up $40 | 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.
12 K’s of Christmas | Sunday, December 14 | 9 a.m. | Marina Park, Kirkland | Cost and registration TBD | All ages | Join this fun holiday 12K and 5K run at Marina Park, Kirkland. They also have a Little Elf Run for the kids! Strollers allowed, but not dogs.
Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk | Saturday, December 13 | 9:50 a.m. | Hogan Park, Kent | Ages 13 and under free, others, $20-$35 | Registration opens October 10 | 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 | December 14 | 8:30 a.m. | Gas Works Park | Cost TBD | Registration | 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.
Holiday Fun Run | Saturday, December 20 | 10 a.m. | Magnuson Park | $6-$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 | Wednesday, December 24 | 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. | Wright Park, Tacoma | $30 | Register | Ages 6 and up | 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.
