2026 Northumberland Turkey Trot

The Northumberland Turkey Trot takes place each October in Cobourg, Ontario — a Thanksgiving Monday tradition that brings families and neighbourhoods together for a morning of seasonal fun. The 2026 edition runs on October 12 in and around the Cobourg YMCA; the event partners closely with local community groups to create a welcoming, family-first race day.

The day includes a mix of kid-focused activities and timed runs: a 9:30 Gobble Wobble for the under‑4 crowd, the Wing Ding 1K Kids Fun Run at 9:45 (untimed), and the timed events — The Gobbler 5K and a 2.5K Run/Walk — which kick off at 10:10. Participant check‑in and race‑day registration open at 8:30 a.m.; the 5K is laid out as a double loop of the shorter 2.5K course. There is also a Choose Your Own Adventure option for those who want to take part on their own terms.

What sets this Turkey Trot apart is the community focus: proceeds support the YMCA Strong Communities Campaign, there’s a warm‑up led by a YMCA leader, and organisers encourage costumes (the Golden Drumstick Award honours the best turkey spirit). The course runs through the Cobourg Conservation Area so runners spend most of the route on grass through an urban green space with some small rolling hills. Organisers emphasise inclusion and accessibility — guides can register free and the team will work with participants to accommodate barriers to participation.

Registration is handled through Race Roster and entries traditionally sell out, so early registration is recommended. Race day registration is available at the venue beginning at 8:30 a.m.

- **Finisher medals for participants:** Medals awarded to the first 400 registrants who participate in the 2.5K and 5K, plus kids medals for all Wing Ding 1K finishers
- **Charity partnership:** Event supports the YMCA Strong Communities Campaign to remove financial barriers for local children, teens, adults and seniors
- **Golden Drumstick costume prize:** Best turkey spirit and costume recognised with the Golden Drumstick Award and additional prize draws
- **Grass conservation setting:** Course runs through the Cobourg Conservation Area with mostly grass surfaces and small rolling hills
- **Family‑friendly schedule:** Morning warm‑up, under‑4 Gobble Wobble and a 1K kids run make it easy to fit the Trot into Thanksgiving plans