Start your Thanksgiving with a lap around one of the prettiest spots in Columbia County. The 2nd Annual Vernonia “Great Awake” Turkey Trot is an all-ages 5K fun run and walk on Thursday, November 26, 2026, at 8:00 AM, and every registration supports local kids.
Turkey Trot Details at a Glance
- Event: 2nd Annual Vernonia “Great Awake” Turkey Trot (5K, 3.1 miles, fun run/walk)
- Date and time: Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving morning), 8:00 AM
- Location: Around Vernonia Lake in Vernonia, Oregon
- Starting point: Anderson Park Picnic Shelter
- Who can join: All ages, whether you run, jog, walk, or stroll
Registration and Pricing
| Participant | Price |
|---|---|
| Teens (13+) and adults | $25 |
| Ages 5-12 | $20 |
| Under 5 | Free (no registration needed) |
Every participant age 5 and up needs their own registration form, so families should register each person separately. Children ages 0-4 are welcome in strollers, joggers, or carriers without registering. You can also add an optional donation when you sign up.
Your Registration Supports Local Kids
The Turkey Trot is a fundraiser for the Vernonia High School Cross Country Team and the Vernonia Village Afterschool Program. Your entry fee, and any extra donation you add, helps local student athletes and afterschool families right here in Vernonia.
Why Run (or Walk) the Great Awake Turkey Trot?
- Earn your Thanksgiving dinner. A morning 5K is a great way to start the holiday.
- It’s for everyone. The pace is up to you, and strollers are welcome.
- A scenic course. The route loops Vernonia Lake in the heart of the Upper Nehalem Valley.
- It’s a family tradition in the making. This is only the second annual Trot, so it’s a great time to join.
- It gives back. Every dollar stays in the community.
Want to Help? Volunteer
Race day runs on volunteers, and it’s a great way to get involved if you’d rather not run. Sign up to volunteer for the Turkey Trot and help make Thanksgiving morning a success.
Make It a Full Thanksgiving at Camp Cedar Ridge
After the Trot, keep the gathering going. Camp Cedar Ridge hosts the ThanksRidging Dinner and a ThanksRidging Weekend Retreat for groups and families who’d rather spend the holiday weekend in the woods than in the kitchen. See everything on our Specials page.
Looking ahead, we’re also booking winter retreats and our New Year gathering, New Thought New Year 2027.
Join Us on Thanksgiving Morning
Ready to trot? Register today and bring the whole family.
Want to plan your own group gathering at Camp Cedar Ridge? Submit a booking interest form, contact our team, or call (503) 429-2801.
