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| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Mile Walk (Not Timed) | 1 Mile | Nov 26, 20268:00 AM | $42.50$45 after Oct 6, 2026 | – |
| 5k Run/Walk | 5K | Nov 26, 20268:00 AM | $42.50$45 after Oct 6, 2026 | – |
| Virtual RunVirtual | 5K | Nov 26, 20268:00 AM | $50 | – |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
The 1 Mile fee goes up to $45 on Oct 6, 2026.
Online registration closes Nov 27, 2026, unless the race fills first.
At $42.50, entry is about 15 percent above a typical 5K in California, which costs $37 right now.
A typical finisher at a 5K in Bakersfield runs 38:06, about 12:16 a mile, based on 24 races with published results. Women typically finish in 40:10 and men in 33:26.
Sunrise on race morning is at about 6:41 AM, and the 1 Mile Walk (Not Timed) starts at 8:00 AM. The start sits about 290 feet above sea level.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
The Park at River Walk, Bakersfield, CA 93311
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.
Aggregated from official results (California Timing) for Bakersfield Turkey Day Run. Individual finisher names are not stored here.
In 2025, the fastest tenth finished in 25:18 or better, the top quarter in 30:08, and half the field in 36:58; the last tenth came in after 56:05.
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 | 22:18 | 18:13 |
| 20-29 | 23:04 | 16:04 |
| 30-39 | 23:17 | 18:18 |
| 40-49 | 22:42 | 19:56 |
| 50-59 | 26:52 | 20:53 |
| 60-69 | 30:58 | 23:10 |
| 70+ | 39:50 | 32:56 |
Groups with fewer than five finishers are left out. Awards vary by race; check the race's rules.
Where a finish time would have placed in 2025.
Up 201 percent since 2021.
All events combined, from official results.
From 2021 to 2025, the field went from 522 to 1,571 finishers, and the median time rose from 36:23 to 36:58.
| Year | Finishers | Median | Fastest tenth | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,571 (+31%) | 36:58 | under 25:18 | 15:23 |
| 2024 | 1,198 (+20%) | 37:05 | under 25:31 | 15:43 |
| 2023 | 1,002 (+65%) | 37:41 | under 25:43 | 16:06 |
| 2022 | 606 (+16%) | 35:59 | under 24:21 | 15:50 |
| 2021 | 522 | 36:23 | under 24:17 | 15:49 |
From each year's official results for the 5K; virtual options are left out.
About average for California 5Ks
The fastest quarter of the 2025 5K field finished under 30:08, against 30:43 in a typical California 5K, so times here are about average.
Compares the fastest quarter of each field, so walkers and first-timers do not skew it. It reflects the course and the field together: a flat course, cool weather, or a competitive crowd all make times faster.
Around November 26 the day usually runs from 41°F at dawn to 64°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 8% of days. Cold snaps dip to 36°F and hot years reach 72°F.
Based on 75 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.
What the organizers of Bakersfield Turkey Day Run cover on their registration page, in brief.
Schedule and packet pickup
Thanksgiving Day Schedule. 7:00am late packet pickup begins. 7:45am Costume, Gobble Contest, Spirit Award (largest registered group). 8:00am races start in waves. Please don't be late! The Turkey can wait!
Schedule and packet pickup
Packet Pickup: F45 Seven Oaks. 9000 MING AVENUE, STE. K9, BAKERSFIELD. Wed Nov 25 from 2-6 PM. If you cannot make it to Wednesday's pickup, you can pick up on event morning starting at 7:00AM.
Course
Shirt and medal
What a great way to start your Thanksgiving! Run or walk on Thanksgiving morning and then eat your Thanksgiving feast guilt free. We are offering a long sleeve Thanksgiving shirt and a Finisher's Medallion to all participants.
Rules and FAQ
What are the award categories and when will they be handed out? Awards will be presented in an on-site awards ceremony. Age Groups(3 Deep): 0-10, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. Overall Winners(Male and Female) will be…
The cause
Your donation will move us closer to our goal of ensuring that children, families, and seniors of Kern County continue to receive nutritious food. Please donate during registration to support the CAPK Food Bank.
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Welcome to the 10th annual Bakersfield Turkey Day Run! Special discount for ages 9 and under automatically applied during registration!
Event takes place at The Park at River Walk. FREE PARKING!