The Turkey Tri will be on Nov. 30 this year. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Join us for this post-Thanksgiving fitness adventure Nov. 30!

Presented by the West Sacramento Recreation Center, Turkey Tri is a popular sprint triathlon that takes place annually, typically around the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s a festive, family-friendly event that welcomes athletes of all levels to participate in various race formats designed to offer something for everyone. This year, the Turkey Tri will be at 9 a.m. Nov. 30.

The Turkey Tri features a Fun Run, Kids Bike-Run, a Solo Spring and a Team Relay portion.

The Solo Sprint is the main event of the Turkey Tri. Participants tackle a course that usually includes a 750-yard swim, a 12.5-mile bike ride and a 3.5-mile run. This event is ideal for individual athletes looking to test their endurance and speed across all three disciplines.

Swim Section

The distance of the swim is 750 yards.

The swim takes place in the West Sacramento Recreation Center lap swimming pool.

Athletes start the swim from the pool deck edge and exit at a from where they entered. Lifeguards are stationed along the pool to ensure participant safety.

Bike Course

The distance of the bike course is 12.5 miles.

The bike course is often a mix of flat road sections and gravel roads, designed to be accessible for beginners while still offering a challenge for experienced cyclists.

The course begins at the Clarksburg Trail near the West Sacramento Recreation Center that follows a scenic route through local roads and along the Sacramento River levee. See the route map below for course details.

There are typically one or two aid stations along the bike course offering water and basic mechanical support.

Run Course

The distance of the run is 3.5 miles.

The run will be held at the River City High School Stadium track.

Aid stations with water will be available at the start / finish line.

The Team Relay allows groups of three participants to compete together, with each member taking on one leg of the triathlon—swim, bike, or run. This format encourages camaraderie and is perfect for friends, families, or co-workers who want to experience the thrill of a triathlon as a team.

The Fun Run is a more relaxed, non-competitive event designed for those who want to participate in the Turkey Tri atmosphere without the pressure of a full triathlon. The course is shorter, by about half the distance of the sprint triathlon, and is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels. Many people dress in Thanksgiving-themed costumes to add to the festive spirit.

The Kids Bike Run is a special event tailored for younger participants. It typically includes a short, manageable bike ride followed by a brief run, with distances adjusted for different age groups. The focus is on fun, safety and encouraging kids to get active. It’s a great way for children to experience the excitement of a triathlon in a supportive environment.

The West Sacramento Parks & Recreation Department organizes this event.

If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the city’s programs, services, activities and meetings, please email [email protected] at least 72 hours in advance to request an auxiliary aid or accommodation.

The Turkey Tri is more than just a race; it's a community event that brings people together to celebrate fitness, fun and the holiday spirit. Whether you're an experienced triathlete or just looking for a fun way to stay active, there's something for everyone at the Turkey Tri.

For more information, contact Recreation Supervisor Jake Konkel at [email protected].