ENCINITAS — The Encinitas Turkey Trot is set to celebrate its 11th annual Thanksgiving event.
More than 5,500 are expected to participate in the holiday tradition, surpassing last year’s turnout by 700 runners, joggers and walkers.
The event, organized by Steve and Kristie Lebherz, has become a staple in the coastal community, combining fitness, family fun and charitable giving. The lineup includes a 5K, 10K and the increasingly popular “Kids-K,” which allows children aged 5-9 to race for free.
“Last year, we had probably 150 kids or so that ran in the Kids-K, and as of today, we have 700,” said organizer Steve Lebherz. “I think we hit on something.”
Races kick off Thanksgiving morning under the iconic Encinitas sign on Coast Highway. The 5K route turns at the San Elijo campground, while the 10K extends further south to the state park entrance. To avoid overcrowding, participation is capped at 1,000.
Coast Highway 101 will be closed to traffic from 3 a.m. to 11 a.m. on race day.
“In the old days, we used to run all the way down to Solana Beach, but the crowds are so big … it makes more sense to keep everything north of Chesterfield,” Lebherz said.
Registration for the event remains open on the Encinitas Turkey Trot website. Fees for the 5K and 10K range from $42 to $72, depending on age. Children under 10 can participate in the Kids-K for free.
The Turkey Trot has also become a meaningful fundraiser. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the Veterans Association of North County (VANC), which supports military families at Camp Pendleton by providing Thanksgiving meals, Christmas gifts, and other resources.
“When you find a nonprofit you can trust, that’s kind of important,” Lebherz said. “Once I found VANC, I knew I didn’t have to look any further.”
Last year, the event raised nearly $25,000, benefiting VANC and other local organizations such as the Boy Scouts. However, rising operational costs, including insurance, police services, and traffic management, have challenged fundraising efforts.
“The cost of insurance is up 100%, the police department is up, our traffic closure company is up, everything is more expensive by, I would say, a factor of 20%,” Lebherz said.
Despite these challenges, the Turkey Trot continues to focus on its family-friendly atmosphere, a cornerstone of its success.
“I like running, and I like doing family-oriented stuff,” Lebherz said. “That’s kind of the mantra, and we’ve stayed with that.”
