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For thousands of Austin families, Thanksgiving morning begins long before the turkey goes into the oven. Running shoes replace slippers, friends and neighbors gather downtown, and generations of participants make their way to the Long Center for a tradition that has become as much a part of the holiday as the meal itself.

The 36th Annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot returns Thursday, November 26, 2026, bringing an anticipated 26,000 participants together for Texas' largest five-mile run. With a timed five-mile race, an untimed five-mile run, a one-mile walk/run and the Stepping Stone School Kids K, the annual Austin Thanksgiving event offers something for competitive runners, casual walkers and families with young children.

But the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot is about much more than getting a little exercise before Thanksgiving dinner. Every dollar of event proceeds benefits Caritas of Austin, a local nonprofit working to prevent and end homelessness in Greater Austin. Since the Turkey Trot began in 1991, the event has raised more than $6 million to support neighbors in need.

For many Austin residents, that combination of holiday fun, community connection and charitable giving is what keeps them coming back year after year.

From 600 Runners to 26,000 Participants: How Austin's Turkey Trot Became a Thanksgiving Tradition

The ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot began in 1991 with just 600 participants and a handful of volunteers. What started as a relatively small community race has grown into one of Austin's most recognizable Thanksgiving traditions, drawing families, running groups, longtime residents and visitors from across Central Texas.

The event reached a major milestone in 2025, when ThunderCloud Subs celebrated its 50th anniversary and the Turkey Trot recorded its largest turnout to date.

According to event organizers, approximately 26,000 participants helped generate $615,000 for Caritas of Austin in 2025, making it the most successful Turkey Trot in the event's history.

“It was fantastic to have our largest Trot ever last year,” said Mike Haggerty, co-owner of ThunderCloud Subs and executive director of the Turkey Trot. “One hundred percent of the event proceeds—$615,000—went to Caritas of Austin, thanks to our record 26,000 participants and our sponsors. In the 35 years of the Trot, our donations to Caritas now total more than $6 million.”

The Turkey Trot has also developed traditions of its own. Some families have collected decades' worth of the event's recognizable long-sleeved T-shirts, while others return each year wearing creative costumes, from Thanksgiving-inspired outfits to imaginative group ensembles.

For participants who have made the event an annual family outing, the race offers a familiar opportunity to reconnect with friends and neighbors before the holiday festivities begin.

“ThunderCloud’s owners, employees, and hundreds of volunteers get so much joy of making this fun and rewarding community tradition happen every Thanksgiving. It’s really a labor of love for us,” Haggerty said.

ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot 2026: Race Times, Location and Events

The 2026 ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot will take place at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, located at 701 W. Riverside Drive in Austin, near Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin.

Participants can choose from several race distances and formats, including in-person and virtual options.

Organizers have announced updated start times for this year's event, so returning participants should review the schedule before Thanksgiving morning.

The 36th Annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot takes place on Thursday, November 26, 2026, with the following schedule:

• 7 to 9 a.m.: Registration and packet pickup

• 8:15 a.m.: Stepping Stone School Kids K

• 8:25 a.m.: Wheelchair start

• 8:30 a.m.: Timed five-mile run

• 9:15 a.m.: Untimed five-mile run

• 9:50 a.m.: One-mile walk/run

• 10:45 a.m.: Trophy pickup begins

The Stepping Stone School Kids K includes a dedicated children's activity tent, providing younger participants with their own Thanksgiving morning experience.

Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can participate in the one-mile walk/run or untimed five-mile event.

Virtual registration is also available for participants who cannot attend the downtown Austin event. Virtual runners and walkers can complete their chosen distance at a location and pace that works for them, record their times and compare results with other participants. Virtual participants are not eligible for awards, but their registration proceeds still support Caritas of Austin.

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How Much Does the 2026 ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot Cost?

Registration is currently open for the 36th Annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot, with pricing determined by race distance, timing options and registration date.

According to organizers, registration fees have remained unchanged since 2022.

For participants registering between November 5 and November 19, 2026, the fees are $40 for the timed five-mile run, $35 for the untimed five-mile run, $30 for the one-mile walk/run and $15 for the Stepping Stone School Kids K.

Beginning November 20, race-week pricing increases to $45 for the timed five-mile run, $40 for the untimed five-mile run and $35 for the one-mile walk/run. The Kids K remains $15.

Virtual five-mile registration costs $35 through November 19 and increases to $40 during race week. The virtual one-mile event costs $30 through November 19 and $35 during race week, while the virtual Kids K remains $15.

Registration is available through the official ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot website.

Where to Pick Up Race Packets Before Thanksgiving

Participants have several opportunities to collect their race materials before Thanksgiving morning, helping reduce last-minute preparations on race day.

Packet pickup begins Friday, November 20, at First Texas Honda, 3400 Steck Avenue in Austin, with the following schedule:

• November 20 and 21: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• November 22: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• November 23: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• November 24: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Packet pickup moves to the Long Center on Wednesday, November 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Race-day pickup will also be available at the Long Center on Thanksgiving morning from 7 to 9 a.m., although organizers caution that T-shirts are not guaranteed for participants who wait until Thanksgiving Day to collect their packets.

Participants may also pick up packets for friends and family members.

Parking and Transportation for the Austin Turkey Trot

With thousands of people expected downtown, planning transportation in advance can make Thanksgiving morning easier for participants and their families.

Organizers have identified several parking locations near the race, including free parking at the Palmer Events Center/Long Center parking area, State Garage N at 300 San Antonio Street and the Silicon Labs Parking Garage at 166 Colorado Street.

Paid parking options include Austin City Hall Parking Garage at 301 W. Second Street and One Texas Center at 505 Barton Springs Road.

The Bat Bridge Lot at 305 S. Congress Avenue is also listed as a free parking option, but organizers note that access is restricted from 6 a.m. to noon, making it important to review parking arrangements before relying on that location.

Participants should also be aware that parking in neighborhoods south of the river is not permitted for Turkey Trot participants. Organizers ask everyone attending to respect nearby residents and use designated parking areas.

For those using rideshare services, designated drop-off locations include One Texas Center on South First Street, just south of Barton Springs Road, and Lee Barton Drive near the Loren Hotel.

Participants arriving at the Lee Barton drop-off area can access a complimentary golf cart shuttle to the Long Center.

More Than a Thanksgiving Run: How the Turkey Trot Supports Caritas of Austin

While the Turkey Trot has become a favorite holiday outing, its charitable mission remains at the center of the event.

Since the inaugural race in 1991, Caritas of Austin has been the sole beneficiary of the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot.

The nonprofit works to prevent and end homelessness throughout Greater Austin by helping individuals and families establish stable housing and access the resources needed to build more secure lives.

Its services extend beyond housing assistance to include access to healthy groceries, employment opportunities that provide reliable wages and education focused on essential life skills.

For people experiencing homelessness, these services can help create a foundation for long-term stability.

The Turkey Trot gives Austin residents a way to contribute to that work while participating in a community tradition. Whether someone runs five miles, walks one mile with their children, volunteers along the course or makes a donation, the event provides several opportunities to support the nonprofit's mission.

Organizers report that more than $6 million has been donated to Caritas of Austin through the Turkey Trot over the past 35 years.

First Texas Honda Raffle Offers a Chance to Win a Vehicle While Supporting Caritas

Participants and supporters have another opportunity to contribute through the annual First Texas Honda raffle.

For the 2026 event, First Texas Honda has donated a prize offering the winner either a three-year lease on a new Honda Accord or credit of up to $25,000 toward a new Honda vehicle.

According to organizers, 100% of raffle ticket revenue will benefit Caritas of Austin. Only 3,600 raffle tickets will be available, and tickets can be purchased during event registration, through the Turkey Trot's online store or at packet pickup locations.

The raffle provides an additional fundraising opportunity for those interested in supporting the nonprofit, including people who may not be participating in the race itself.

A Local Austin Business With Five Decades of Community Roots

The Turkey Trot's history is closely connected to that of its organizer, ThunderCloud Subs.

Founded in Austin in 1975, ThunderCloud Subs has grown from a neighborhood sandwich shop into a Central Texas restaurant business with 26 locations.

Known for its fresh ingredients, made-from-scratch preparations and casual neighborhood atmosphere, the company has maintained a local identity even as its footprint has expanded across the region.

Its community involvement has also become part of that history.

The Turkey Trot began 16 years after ThunderCloud Subs opened its doors and has since grown into one of the company's most recognizable annual initiatives.

The event relies on the efforts of ThunderCloud employees, local sponsors and more than 700 volunteers who help coordinate everything from registration and packet pickup to race-day operations.

For those who have participated over multiple generations, the Turkey Trot is a reminder of how a locally organized event can become part of a city's holiday traditions.

How to Volunteer or Donate to the 2026 ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot

Running or walking is not the only way to get involved.

Organizers are seeking volunteers to help support the Thanksgiving morning event, which requires more than 700 people to operate.

Volunteer opportunities are available through the official Turkey Trot website, where residents can also learn about sponsorship opportunities and other ways to contribute.

Those who cannot attend on Thanksgiving morning can make a direct donation to Caritas of Austin. Additional information about the nonprofit and its work is available at caritasofaustin.org.

What Austin Residents Should Know Before Thanksgiving Morning

With Thanksgiving approaching, residents planning to participate in the 2026 ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot are encouraged to register before the next price increase on November 20, review the updated race start times and arrange packet pickup before Thanksgiving Day if possible.

Families attending with young children should note that the Stepping Stone School Kids K begins at 8:15 a.m., ahead of the timed five-mile race.

Those driving downtown should review designated parking locations and allow additional time to reach the Long Center.

For longtime participants, the 36th annual Turkey Trot offers another chance to continue a familiar family tradition. For first-time runners and walkers, it is an opportunity to experience a uniquely Austin Thanksgiving morning while supporting an organization serving neighbors across Greater Austin.

What began with 600 runners in 1991 now brings together thousands of people, each participating for their own reasons but contributing to the same local cause.

And as Austin families prepare to gather around Thanksgiving tables on November 26, the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot offers a chance to begin the holiday by helping others in the community find something fundamental to be thankful for: a stable place to call home.

For registration, volunteering, raffle information and additional event details, visit ThunderCloud Subs.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more Austin Thanksgiving events, holiday activities, local nonprofit initiatives and community news throughout Central Texas.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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