Where to Turkey Trot if Your Local Fun Run Is Sold Out

City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta here. My New Year’s resolution is to visit all 511 parks in Salt Lake County, and I’m sharing stellar finds along the way.

Didn’t get registered in time to run the Cold Turkey on Thursday? Fear not. I’ve got ideas for coordinating a silly DIY turkey trot (or walk) with your friends and family this Thanksgiving. Plus, these are free!

The Whale to Wales

If you run along the 9 Line from the 9th & 9th whale 🐋 to the Wales plot 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 at the International Peace Gardens, it is just a little over 5K. The first few blocks are downhill and the rest is flat. I'r gad (Welsh for "Let's go!")!

Dimple Dell

There are 15 miles of soft wood chip and dirt trails in this 630-acre nature preserve in Sandy. On Thanksgiving morning, you’ll almost certainly run into horses — an easy way to delight visiting relatives or kids.

Murray’s Jordan River Trail

My favorite section of the Jordan River Trail is in Murray. Start at Arrowhead Park (593 W. 4800 S. in Murray) and run south, through tree canopies, across bridges to Millrace Dog Park and back. That’s about a 5K.

Big Cottonwood Regional Park

This giant park covers two different cities: Holladay and Millcreek. Wide gravel paths are perfect for a group trot with beautiful mountain views. Extend your loop around the community garden and beehives (!) to make a bit a bit longer, and you’ll hit 5K in just two laps.

👟Take it to the next level with custom race bibs. I found this template, but you can get wilder!