It feels great to balance feasting with fitness! Get into the community spirit and lace up your sneakers for a brisk walk or run with these five Turkey Trots and festive 5Ks!
1. LIGHTS IN THE PARKWAY 5K
NOVEMBER 27
1680 Park Dr., Allentown | runlehighvalley.com
Get an advance eyeful of the twinkling holiday lights to come with this 5K through the grounds of Lights in the Parkway’s dazzling display. Taking place on Thanksgiving Eve, this race is rounded out with hot cocoa and cookies to conclude, and the top 50 finishers receive ornaments for that soon-to-be-set-up Christmas tree.
2. TWO TOWN TURKEY TROT
NOVEMBER 28
2 Station Ct., Lambertville, NJ | lambertvillechamber.com
Veering off the beaten path, this 5K run and one-mile health walk threads its way through scenic Lambertville and New Hope across the Free Bridge. Fans of this picturesque destination will enjoy the trek through these lovely historic sister towns in all their autumn glory, bright and early on Thanksgiving morning, so there’s time to get home and start cooking!
3. NAZARETH YMCA PUMPKIN PIE 5K
NOVEMBER 28
33 S. Main St., Nazareth | ymcarivercrossing.org
So named because first, second and third place finishers in each age category win a pumpkin pie, this Nazareth tradition is nearing two decades on the books. With such a long history, it’s amassed a following of almost 1,200 runners, a truly epic fitness feat. Sign up quick to stake your claim to one of the race’s super-soft T-shirts.
4. HISTORIC BETHLEHEM TURKEY TROT 5K & FUN WALK
NOVEMBER 30
459 Old York Rd., Bethlehem | historicbethlehem.org
Tour Bethlehem’s beautiful historic district bedecked with glowing fall leaves on this post-holiday run. Whether you’re trying to break a personal record or choose the leisurely fun walk, free healthy refreshments and weekend museum access is provided to participants. Don’t miss the super-cute Pet Costume Contest!
5. SANTA WILL RUN FOR BEER 5K-ISH
DECEMBER 7
61 W. Lehigh St., Bethlehem | runlehighvalley.com
This irreverent event in early December makes no apologies for its frivolous nature. Throngs of runners suited up like Saint Nick deploy from a Northside Bethlehem bar at noon to charge around town hitting up participating bars. The first 25 to each get a free beer! The event benefits Toys for Tots (of course!), with donated toys earning runners a beverage ticket. Cheers to that!
Published as “5 Things” in the November 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
