This is my 3rd year running the Turkey Trot in Long Beach, CA and it was perfect. The race is put on by Justin Rudd, who raises money for the charity he formed, Community Action Team (CAT). CAT is an organization that puts on tons of community based events in Long Beach that benefit children, the environment and the community as a whole.

The "Expo" is non-existent, but proves the purpose of this race is to have fun and support the community. Bib pick up is the day before Thanksgiving or the morning of. Parking is free if you bring canned goods. There is no timing system, but just a large clock that is not really accurate. I would recommend wearing your own timing/GPS watch if you are that interested in your finish time. They don't have a timing system as it allows them to give the money they would to a timing system, to charity instead.

The course is flat and beautiful. It takes place right on the boardwalk on the beach. The weather is normally perfect - either overcast or very cool temps if the sun is out. Nothing is blocked off, so you will find quite a few folks (cyclists and walkers) out on the course who are not racing. I recommend running the first race time (this year was 7:00am - they also have an 8:30 and 10:00 time slot) to avoid more traffic on the course as the day goes on. There are 3 aid stations if you run the 10K, just one if you run the 5K. The course is flat and fast with only some slight inclines in various spots along the route.

They give you a shirt each year, and you can upgrade to a long sleeve for a few bucks more. They give out over 600 pies to random finishers and there's lots of goodies at the end. KIND Bars, fruit, juice, and water. I would definitely recommend this race if you are in the Long Beach area for the holiday!