

Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon
The Turkey Trot at Hansen Dam offers a festive fall race with multiple distances and a community feel.
Race Date
Nov 26, 2026
Location
Van Nuys, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Location
- Van Nuys, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 284
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Turkey Trot at Hansen Dam has become a beloved autumn tradition, drawing runners for its 5k, 10k, 15k, and half marathon distances. With 9 editions on record and a growing field, this race, first held in 2014, fosters a strong sense of community, with about 25% of participants returning each year.
The course is a flat, paved loop around Lake Balboa, offering a fast and forgiving environment ideal for setting personal bests. The typical race-day weather, averaging 49–71°F, provides comfortable running conditions, enhanced by the scenic park setting.
Runners can expect a friendly, relaxed experience with custom finisher medals, goodie bags, and free photos and videos. The event emphasizes affordability and family fun, making it an accessible choice for runners of all levels.
Race-provided description
We are back at Lake Balboa/Woodley Park!! It's time for our Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon run/walk!! https://www.abetterworldrunning.com/turkey-trot-11-26-26-vn Group discount 4 or more people - [email protected] Included in registration — - custom finisher medals - drawstring goodie bags - free photos - free videos - results posted on the website within 12-24 hours of event - assortment of snacks, samples - friendly, relaxed, fun, and personal racing experience for all levels and abilities - affordable cost and fun for the whole family! Group discounts for 4 or more people by emailing us at [email protected] for group registration. Bib Pick Up 2 options -- 1 - Wednesday 11/25 Bib Pick Up afternoon -- 2:30-5:00PM save time beat the line on race morning - 6340 Woodley Ave, Lake Balboa, CA 91406 Woodley Park Section 1 (Section 1 off of Woodley Ave just south of Victory Blvd.) The check in tables are at the north end of the parking lots closest to Victory Blvd off of Woodley Ave. Please use either google or apple maps pin Google maps - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mzH9zRXYYHJb6kxH8 Apple maps - 34.184231, -118.483318 2 - Thursday 11/26 6:15AM-7:20AM race morning. We will have 2 check in table areas, please choose the one closest to where you park Google maps - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mzH9zRXYYHJb6kxH8 Apple maps - 34.184231, -118.483318 6340 Woodley Ave, Lake Balboa, CA 91406 Woodley Park Section 1 (Section 1 off of Woodley Ave just south of Victory Blvd.) The check in tables are at the north end of the parking lots closest to Victory Blvd off of Woodley Ave. Please use either google or apple maps pin Or dirt overflow parking lot -- Google maps - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UmiZ3CKhkpaTqrzF9 Apple maps - 34.185112, -118.485833 **. A second start time for the 5k may be added in Sept or Oct 2026. Race day registration available -- 5k $35; 10k $40; 15k $45; Half Marathon $50 Group discount for 4 or more people -- email [email protected] https://www.abetterworldrunning.com/turkey-trot-11-26-26-vn Event details and scheduleBib Pick Up 2 options will be updated here Nov 2026 1 - Wednesday 11/25 Bib Pick Up afternoon -- 2:30-5:00PM save time beat the line on race morning - 6340 Woodley Ave, Lake Balboa, CA 91406 Woodley Park Section 1 (Section 1 off of Woodley Ave just south of Victory Blvd.) The check in tables are at the north end of the parking lots closest to Victory Blvd off of Woodley Ave. Please use either google or apple maps pin Google maps - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mzH9zRXYYHJb6kxH8 Apple maps - 34.184231, -118.483318 2 - Thursday 11/26 6:15AM-7:20AM race morning. We will have 2 check in table areas, please choose the one closest to where you park Google maps - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mzH9zRXYYHJb6kxH8 Apple maps - 34.184231, -118.483318 6340 Woodley Ave, Lake Balboa, CA 91406 Woodley Park Section 1 (Section 1 off of Woodley Ave just south of Victory Blvd.) The check in tables are at the north end of the parking lots closest to Victory Blvd off of Woodley Ave. Please use either google or apple maps pin Or dirt overflow parking lot -- Google maps - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UmiZ3CKhkpaTqrzF9 Apple maps - 34.185112, -118.485833 Custom medals for all finishers! Goodie bags! Free photos! COURSE: The course is super easy to follow. It will consist of loops around the path that will be marked. Easy out and back course with one small hill about .6 miles from the start. 5k (1 loop), 10k (2 loops), 15k (3 loops) with an aid station at every loop: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6600154 Half marathon is 3 x extended 5k loops https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6442390159/ Time limit - 3:15. If more time is needed please email us at [email protected] for early start. Everyone will get a time and place on our results page at: www.abetterworldrunning.com We take pictures that are free to download on our facebook page. We emphasize a more relaxed, fun and personal racing experience and somewhat informal. Time limit - 3:15. If more time is needed please email us at [email protected] Bibs must be visible in front or there might not be photos or results recorded. Start Time - 7:30AM Date - Thursday, November 26th, 2026 Address - 6340 Woodley Ave, Lake Balboa, CA 91406 Woodley Park Section 1 (Section 1 off of Woodley Ave just south of Victory Blvd.) The check in tables are at the north end of the parking lots closest to Victory Blvd off of Woodley Ave. Please see image below. Google maps - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mzH9zRXYYHJb6kxH8 Apple maps - 34.184231, -118.483318 Parking - Parking will start in the parking lots off of Woodley Ave. and Victory Blvd. 6340 Woodley Ave, Lake Balboa, CA 91406 Woodley Park Section 1 (Section 1 off of Woodley Ave just south of Victory Blvd.) The check in tables are at the north end of the parking lots closest to Victory Blvd off of Woodley Ave. Please use either google or apple maps pin Additional parking is available in the dirt overflow parking lot on the other side of Woodley Ave. near the golf course. Please review image below. Dirt overflow parking lot -- Google maps - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UmiZ3CKhkpaTqrzF9 Apple maps - 34.185112, -118.485833 EVERYONE MUST FINISH THROUGH THE TUNNEL. PLEASE DO NOT CROSS WOODLEY AVE. PLEASE USE THE PEDESTRIAN TUNNEL OFFICIAL TIMES AND PLACES WILL BE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE: www.abetterworldrunning.com NO REFUNDS NO BANDITS
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Quality Score
Solid Pick539 years running
~33 finishers a year
small race — neutral
25% returning runners
5 photos
runners from 1 state
winner 1:36:03
typical high 71°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
49°
Afternoon (High)
71°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
7 mph
Wind
50%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 284 finishers actually crossed the line across 9 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
284
Median time
2:19:05
Latest turnout
36
States
2
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
About the Organizer
Frequently asked
When is the Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon?
The Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon is held on Thursday, November 26, 2026, starting at 1:07 PM.
Where does the Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Van Nuys, California.
What distances does the Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 284 runners who have completed the Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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