UWL to celebrate 30th annual Turkey Trot Nov. 22

Posted 9 a.m. Friday , Nov. 7 , 2025

UWL to celebrate 30th annual Turkey Trot Nov. 22

A longstanding Thanksgiving tradition is back for another year.

The UW-La Crosse Recreational Sports Department will host the 30th annual UWL Turkey Trot 5K presented by Z93 and GPC/Bubbl'r on Saturday, Nov. 22. Registration information can be found below.

Over three decades, the event has become one of the region's most popular Thanksgiving-season traditions, welcoming runners, walkers, children and adaptive athletes of all experience levels.

"Reaching the 30-year mark is a celebration not just of the event, but of the community that has supported it from the very beginning," says Nathan Barnhart, associate director of programs for UWL Rec Sports. "The Turkey Trot brings together movement, tradition and connection - values our department is deeply committed to."

The Turkey Trot has grown significantly through the years and now draws more than 1,200 participants annually, including UWL students, alumni, families and community members.

This year's milestone event will feature the classic 5K run/walk, a Junior Gobbler Gallop (dash or half-mile), a Flash's Fun Zone Kids activity space, race-day music, mascot photo opportunities, bucket raffles, refreshments and special 30th-anniversary wooden-engraved medals for the top finishers.

The course begins and ends near the UWL Recreational Eagle Center, winding through campus and the surrounding neighborhood. A portion of the event's proceeds will support UWL student development initiatives and local community wellness efforts.

Registration is open until race day . Early-bird registrants will receive reduced pricing, along with the option to purchase a Turkey Trot T-shirt.

If you go

• What: 30th annual UWL Turkey Trot 5K
• When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22
• Where: UWL Recreational Eagle Center, 1601 Badger St.

For more information, contact Nathan Barnhart at [email protected].

About UWL Rec Sports

UWL Rec Sports provides welcoming recreational opportunities that inspire active lifestyles, enhance well-being, and build community. Programs include intramural and club sports, outdoor trips and gear rental, fitness programs, a climbing gym, esports, and large-scale campus events.