Runtastic Thankful Half Marathon

Runtastic Events built this one around Thanksgiving morning, and it pulls the largest turkey-trot field in Utah across the half, 10K, and 5K. The half is the serious part of the morning. It goes off first, the cutoff is real, and the reward at the end is pie rather than an expo.

Most of the distance follows the paved Jordan River Parkway Trail, with a stretch through quiet neighborhoods before runners rejoin the path and head back to Thanksgiving Point. The profile is close to flat and the route doubles back on itself, so passing room is tight while the field is still bunched.

Late November mornings in Utah Valley usually start below freezing, with frost or ice possible on shaded trail. It rarely warms much during the race, so gloves and a throwaway layer make more sense than a heavy jacket.