As the Florida sun begins to rise on Thanksgiving morning, the quiet streets of Clearwater transform into a wave of motion and cheer. Thousands of runners, families, and friends gather at the starting line of the Achieva Clearwater Turkey Trot, a cherished local tradition that’s been kicking off the holiday for more than four decades.
For some, it’s about fitness. For others, it’s family. But for everyone, it’s about gratitude — and the joy of starting the season of thanks in stride.
A Clearwater Classic
The Achieva Clearwater Turkey Trot began back in 1979 with a few hundred participants and a simple idea: to combine community spirit, healthy living, and holiday fun. Today, it’s one of the largest Thanksgiving Day races in Florida, welcoming thousands of runners and walkers from across Pinellas County and beyond.
The event includes multiple race options — typically a 1-mile Gobbler Run, 5K Wingding, and the 10K Turkey Trot — so everyone from first-timers to seasoned athletes can take part. Some show up in sleek running gear, others in turkey hats, tutus, and costumes that defy logic (and gravity). It’s that kind of event — spirited, unpretentious, and full of laughter.
Race Morning: The Start of Something Special
By 6:30 a.m., the streets near Clearwater High School are alive with energy. Vendors pour coffee, volunteers hand out bibs, and families gather for pre-race photos against the glow of the sunrise. When the horn sounds, the crowd moves like a single heartbeat — thousands of feet pounding the pavement, accompanied by cheers and the occasional gobble of encouragement.
Spectators line the route, waving handmade signs and clapping as runners make their way through Clearwater’s tree-lined neighborhoods. Music plays, kids wave from front yards, and the sense of community is undeniable. Even those not running come out simply to be part of it — to celebrate the start of the holiday season, together.
More Than a Race: A Tradition of Giving
The Achieva Turkey Trot isn’t just about crossing the finish line — it’s about giving back. The event supports local schools and community programs, raising funds that benefit education initiatives throughout the area. Over the years, it has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to projects that directly impact students and families across Pinellas County.
That spirit of generosity is what makes this event so meaningful. On a day centered around gratitude, the Turkey Trot gives everyone a tangible way to give thanks — by supporting the community they love.
Thanksgiving, Florida-Style
There’s something uniquely Floridian about the Clearwater Turkey Trot. While other parts of the country may be bundled up in layers and snow, participants here run under palm trees, often in shorts and tank tops. The Gulf breeze rolls in, the air smells faintly of salt, and the post-race cooldown might just include a stop at the beach.
Afterward, many locals head home to start cooking, watch the parade, or gather for family brunch — a warm blend of tradition and tropical sunshine that feels quintessentially Clearwater.
📍 Event Details
Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving morning)
Start Time: 7:00 AM
Starting Point: Clearwater High School, 540 S Hercules Ave, Clearwater, FL
Distances: 1 Mile | 5K | 10K
Website: myclearwater.com
Parking: Arrive early — roads close before the race starts. Many participants carpool or park nearby and walk in.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to register early! The race often sells out, and early registrants get this year’s signature T-shirt — a collectible item for locals.
Why Locals Love It
The Achieva Clearwater Turkey Trot is more than an athletic event — it’s a celebration of everything that makes this community special: connection, kindness, and the joy of shared experiences. Whether you run, walk, volunteer, or simply cheer from the sidelines, you’re part of something bigger — a movement that unites neighbors, families, and friends in gratitude and good fun.
As one longtime participant put it, “It’s not Thanksgiving until we’ve run the Turkey Trot.”
And maybe that’s the magic of it — in a world that moves fast, this morning jog through Clearwater reminds us to slow down, take a breath, and remember how good it feels to be home.