HalfRuns
2026 Wild Turkey Chase

2026 Wild Turkey Chase

The Wild Turkey Chase offers a unique Thanksgiving Day run in small-town Nebraska.

Race Date

Nov 26, 2026

Location

Pickrell, NE

Quick facts

Date
Thursday, November 26, 2026
Location
Pickrell, Nebraska
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 5K, 6.2 Miles, Virtual ~ 10k Yelp
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
166

Highlights

Good For

Beginner Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat Post RaceGreat Medal

Course

Well Marked

The Experience

The Wild Turkey Chase in Pickrell, Nebraska, provides a festive way to celebrate Thanksgiving with a run. Taking place around the holiday, this event encourages participants to give thanks for health and fitness before indulging in a well-earned feast.

The race starts and finishes in front of the Pickrell Tavern, offering a community-focused atmosphere. While the half marathon is capped at 100 runners, the event also includes 5K, 1-mile, and a new 10K option for 2026, catering to various fitness levels. Runners can expect a chip-timed result, a commemorative medal, and a cinnamon roll from Randy's Donuts, along with a drink ticket.

With a median field size of around 85 finishers and a steady trend in participation, the Wild Turkey Chase maintains a local, community feel. Although the repeat-runner loyalty is low, the event's unique timing and Thanksgiving theme offer a memorable experience for those looking to add a run to their holiday traditions.

Race-provided description

It sounds a little wild, we know — a half marathon while the turkey’s in the oven? Or you can keep things a bit more relaxed with the 5K or even the 1-mile. But for 2026, we’re thrilled to introduce a BRAND-NEW option: the Wild Turkey Chase 10K! It’s the perfect middle distance — challenging, fun, and a great way to earn that Thanksgiving feast. No matter which event you choose, celebrate Thanksgiving by giving thanks for your health, fitness, friends, and fellow runners. And don’t worry about the pie… you’ve absolutely earned that second slice (with extra Cool Whip)! Let’s RUN and have FUN! The Wild Turkey Chase starts and finishes right in front of the Pickrell Tavern in Pickrell, NE. ALL Runners will receive: Commemorative Event SWAGEvent Finishers MedalChip Timed Result (including the 1 milers for 2026)Cinnamon Roll from Randy's DonutsEvent StickerDrink Ticket Half Marathon is capped at 100 runners. ** No refunds.

Logistics

Race Day

Thursday, November 26, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

Gobble Pants

Start Location

202 Austin Street, Pickrell, NE, 68422

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Small Town

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

3.1 Miles1 Miles13.1 Miles5K6.2 MilesVirtual ~ 10k Yelp

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage4/20

2 years running

Size10/15

~83 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty0/20

0% returning runners

Course & details3/15

5 timing sources

National draw0/10

runners from 1 state

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:21:32

Weather5/10

typical high 46°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

29°

Afternoon (High)

46°

Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times

0.0"

Precipitation

15 mph

Wind

64%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 166 finishers actually crossed the line across 2 years.

Most recent

2024

Total finishers

166

Median time

2:06:48

Latest turnout

85

States

1

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:20p50 median ≈ 2:003:35

Turnout by year

20232024

'23'24
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the 2026 Wild Turkey Chase?

The 2026 Wild Turkey Chase is held on Thursday, November 26, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the 2026 Wild Turkey Chase take place?

It takes place in Pickrell, Nebraska.

What distances does the 2026 Wild Turkey Chase offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 5K, 6.2 Miles, Virtual ~ 10k Yelp.

Is the 2026 Wild Turkey Chase course flat and good for a PR?

The 2026 Wild Turkey Chase is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

How many people run the 2026 Wild Turkey Chase?

HalfRuns has finish records for 166 runners who have completed the 2026 Wild Turkey Chase.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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