The Lynchburg Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving in Lynchburg is filled with community spirit, local and historic charm, and scenic beauty. There’s no better way to kick off the holiday than with the HumanKind Lynchburg Turkey Trot, presented by Scott Insurance. Whether you’re here to visit family or planning a cozy fall getaway, this 5K tradition is the perfect start to a weekend in LYH!
Each year, thousands of runners and walkers gather on Langhorne Road in front of E.C. Glass High School to “shake a tail feather” and run for a cause. The LYH Turkey Trot is a community fun run/walk with and is the third largest Turkey Trot in the state of Virginia!
Proceeds support HumanKind’s programs and services, which help families in our community achieve stability and opportunity. Whether you’re running solo, joining a team, or walking with family in strollers, every step makes a difference.
train for the turkey trot on the actual route!
Race Day Details:
- Start & Finish: E.C. Glass High School, 2111 Memorial Avenue
- Start Time: 8:00 A.M. (in-person only)
- Rain or Shine
- Virtual Option: Run anywhere between November 22-30
- T-Shirts: Guaranteed for those who register by November 13.
Where to Train Before the Race
If you’re planning to run or walk the Turkey Trot, these LYH trails offer great places to stretch your legs before race day:
- Blackwater Creek Trail: Smooth and shaded, this paved path is perfect for a steady run.
- Percival’s Island Trail: Flat terrain with scenic river views, ideal for easy jogs or walks.
- Peaks View Park Trails: A mix of paved and natural routes through one of Lynchburg’s largest parks.
- Riverside Park: Great for family runs or stroller walks with a view of the James River.
- Liberty Mountain Trail System: Consists of over 50 miles of single and double-track trails and logging roads spanning approximately 3,500 acres. The mountain rises to over 1,360 feet offering cross-country and gravity-fed trails for both hiking and mountain biking.
- Ivy Creak Park: A serene park with well-maintained trails ideal for training.
Blackwater Creek Trail
Explore LYH
Make a whole weekend out of your trip to LYH! There’s plenty to see and do while you’re here for the Lynchburg Turkey Trot. LYH has it all: a historic downtown, delicious restaurants, museums and galleries, and endless outdoor adventures.
Downtown LYH
Explore our guides and itineraries to plan your next trip and see why visitors love spending the holidays here:
- What You’ll Find in Downtown LYH: Shopping, dining, and local charm all in one walkable district.
- 25 Family-Friendly Activities in LYH: Perfect for visitors with kids or multi-generational families.
- Outdoor Activities in LYH: Bike along the James River, hike to a waterfall, or hit the slopes in the Blue Ridge foothills.
- Must-See Historic Sites in LYH: For history lovers who want to explore the stories that shaped the Hill City.
Stay Cozy for the Weekend
Make the most of your Thanksgiving break by staying for the weekend and soaking up the city’s charm. Whether you’re looking for a boutique downtown stay or a unique Airbnb, LYH has plenty of cozy options:
Silo on the James – All Belong Co.
- The Virginian Hotel: A luxury downtown stay with historic charm, rooftop dining at Skyline, and walking distance to shops and restaurants.
- Craddock Terry Hotel: A shoe-factory-turned-boutique-hotel on the riverfront, complete with dog-friendly rooms and unique décor.
- The Silo on the James: A one-of-a-kind Airbnb experience overlooking the river. Perfect for families or couples looking for something memorable.
- Lofts on Church or Court Street: Ideal for visitors who want a downtown stay with local flair.
If you’re still looking for somewhere to stay over Thanksgiving, or have family and friends in need of a place, LYH offers a wide range of hotels, bed & breakfasts, and vacation rentals perfect for a cozy long weekend.
Whether you’re here for the race, the views, or the pie, you’ll find plenty of ways to make your Thanksgiving weekend memorable in Lynchburg.