As the scent of roasting turkey fills the air and families prepare for a day of gratitude, one tradition in Hopkins County gets hearts pumping before the feast even begins — the Hopkins County Turkey Trot. This year’s race takes place on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 27, 2025, and once again brings runners, walkers, and cheering fans together in the heart of Downtown Sulphur Springs on Celebration Plaza.
For years, the Turkey Trot has marked the unofficial start of the holiday season. The early morning chill is met with the laughter of neighbors, the excitement of kids ready for the Fun Run, and the steady rhythm of sneakers hitting the pavement. Whether you’re running for time or walking for fun, it’s a community celebration that turns the square into a lively sea of motion and color.
In past years, participants have gathered as early as sunrise, with registration tables set up near the fountain and local volunteers passing out coffee, cocoa, and encouragement. Parents push strollers, kids dash ahead in turkey hats, and visitors cheer from the sidewalks. Even downtown businesses often open early for breakfast and hot drinks before the race begins.
The event typically includes a Kids Fun Run, along with 5K and 10K routes that wind through the most scenic parts of Sulphur Springs. For many families, the Turkey Trot has become as much about tradition as it is about fitness—a way to make memories before the day’s festivities begin. It’s a simple, joyful reminder that Thanksgiving is about community as much as it is about food and family.
Online registration for the 2025 race is expected to open this fall through RunSignUp.com, with early bird pricing for those who sign up ahead of time. Last year’s event drew runners from across Northeast Texas, and this year’s turnout is expected to be even bigger.
So before the ovens warm up and the parade begins, start your Thanksgiving morning in motion. The Hopkins County Turkey Trot is more than a race—it’s a gathering of neighbors, families, and friends who know how to celebrate gratitude on the move.
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Where: Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs, Texas