A Guide to Winter Fitness & Fun Runs in Collin County

There’s always a lot of fun runs scheduled for this time of year. Is it because the holidays are associated with indulgence and near-constant eating?

Maybe, but it’s also a time of giving, and races often benefit a good cause. Consider registering the family for one of these fun runs in Collin County (or Collin County-adjacent). Fitness! Fresh air! Let’s do this!

collin county fun runs winter turkey trot

Remember to check ahead for changes or cancellations.

 

November 24
North Texas Turkey Trot | Frisco Square (and virtual)

The trot consists of a 10K, 5K, and a Miracle Mile for the kids. Race proceeds benefit The Miracle League of Frisco, which provides local children with mental and/or physical challenges (ages five – 22) the opportunity to play sports as members of an organized league.


November 24
Plano Turkey Trot 
| Plano

This Plano tradition continues in 2022 at Oak Point Park with a 5K and Kids Dash. Race proceeds benefit Best Buddies, a non-profit dedicated to helping pair mentors to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). And Hypnotic Donuts will be there to treat you after. Note: No dogs. Strollers are allowed for walkers and joggers only.


December 3
Candy Cane Course | Plano

Kick off the season with a Christmas-themed run for the whole family at Oak Point Park. In addition to the 5K and 10K, there will be costumes contests, a free kids’ dash, post-race food, and plenty of fun activities.


December 3
Holly Jolly 5K & Fun Run | Allen

Formally the Rudolph Run, this 5K and fun run offers two different options: the family-friendly 5K competition or the Holly Jolly Fun Run, a non-competitive run for all ages. See link for additional details on each. If you’re not a morning person, this could be the event for you. It starts at 3:30 p.m.!


December 3
Reindeer Run 5K and Grinch Sprint | Flower Mound

The Reindeer Run is a gently sloping, stroller-capable run through the trails of Heritage and Bakersfield parks in south Flower Mound. The Grinch Sprint is a one-mile run for kids. Santa Claus and the Grinch will be there for photos with the kids. Come in costume ready for Christmas!


December 5
Frosty 5k and Merry Mile
| Frisco

The Merry Mile begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K starts at 9:00 a.m. in Simpson Plaza. Head to the Party in the Plaza when you finish! Walkers welcome.


December 17
Camp Gladiator | Plano

The Boardwalk at Granite Park will squeeze in one more class in while it’s still technically fall. It’s a one-hour bootcamp-style class for all fitness levels. Register at the link. 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Free!


December 31 & January 1
New Years Double | Allen

This one is a 5K, half-marathon, and marathon over two consecutive run days at Celebration Park. There’s also a special perk for those who complete multiple running events over the two days. See link to register.


February 26
Chocoholic Frolic | TBD

Last year, this run was at Tupp’s Brewery in McKinney. We’ll update here when more info drops on this year’s location.

Katie Lewis
After almost 20 years in other parts of Texas (Austin and Fort Worth!), Katie now lives in Richardson with her husband and two kids. Favorite uses for her phone: reading library books and listening to comedy podcasts. Least favorite uses: making and receiving calls. If you've seen Death Becomes Her or Big Business more than once, you'll be best friends.