Before digging into their Thanksgiving feast, some Lexingtonians might slip on their running shoes first. Here’s a lineup of festive turkey trots and holiday runs — perfect for running, walking, or jogging into the holiday spirit.
Turkey trots
Thoroughbred Classic 5K, Keeneland Race Course
Kick off Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 27, with this scenic horse country 5K. All runners welcome; race starts at 9 a.m. Registration is $45.
The Gobbler Half Marathon, 10K & 5K, Mereworth Farm
Run, jog, or walk the scenic Mereworth Farm trails on Sunday, Nov. 23. Choose from a 5K, 10K, or half marathon; in-person registration starts at $53.
Holiday races
Gingerbread Run 5K, The Red Mile Racecourse
Celebrate the season at The Red Mile with a 5K full of holiday cheer. The race kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. Registration is $40.
YMCA Reindeer Ramble 5K, Keeneland Race Course
Get in the holiday spirit with this family-friendly 5K at Keeneland on Saturday, Dec. 13, starting at 10 a.m. Registration begins at $30 and rises after Nov. 16.
Bubba Grub, a local wings and burger restaurant in Nicholasville closed on Monday, Nov. 3, according its social media. Under the post the owner said they were on to “something bigger and better” and also teased at a potential Lexington location.
Announced
The Downtown Lexington Partnership released the date for Lexington’s Holiday Parade. Mark your calendar for Saturday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. as Santa and local holiday floats will travel Main Street. Applications to be part of the parade are available and due Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Community
Lexington residents are invited to weigh in on potential updates to the city’s Charter, unchanged since 1998. CivicLex is gathering community input to guide the city’s first Civic Assembly in March 2026. Share your thoughts through an online poll.
Plan Ahead
City trash and recycling schedules will shift for Veterans Day. Tuesday pickups will move to Wednesday, Nov. 12 and other days remain unchanged. Residents should place carts out after 4 p.m. Facilities including Haley Pike Waste Management and recycling centers will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Holiday
The Human Bean recently launched its holiday menu, featuring drinks like the Red Rancher Bright Energy and Candied Peppermint Snowy. Editor Alexis’s Pick: I can’t recommend the Bright Energy enough — clean, caffeinated, and always makes me feel jolly.
Watch
Reel talk — have you seen “Jaws” recently? The 1975 film is the most popular horror movie in Kentucky, according to a new study. Now that spooky season has come and gone, we recommend turning on a flick with ties to Lexington. (CW33)
Plan Ahead
Embrace the holiday spirit at the Reindeer Ramble 5K, presented by Publix. On Saturday, Dec. 13, head to Keeneland Race Course for a festive morning supporting the YMCA’s annual Impact Campaign. Wear your favorite holiday sweater, Santa suit, or festive gear, and run (or ramble) for a great cause. Register.*
Finance
Financial security starts with a thoughtful plan. Gratz Park Private Wealth helps clients define goals, create strategies, and build a lasting legacy. With personalized guidance and a focus on long-term relationships, families gain the confidence to grow, preserve, and organize their wealth.*
Job
Looking for a remote opportunity to lead and inspire a winning team? We’re hiring a Sales Director to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
Editor’s Pick
Hit the ice: Tips for a Triangle Park visit
Snow much fun to be had at The Rink at Triangle Park. | Photo provided by Downtown Lexington Partnership
The Rink at Triangle Park, a seasonal favorite for Lexingtonians, recently opened for the 2025-26 season.
Weekend hours are 12:30-8:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1-8:30 p.m. on Sunday, with weekday hours starting Monday, Nov. 17; hours are extended during Fayette County Public School’s winter break.
Pro tip: Show a same-day ticket or parking receipt from the Central Bank Center, Rupp Arena, or Lexington Opera House to get $3 off admission.
The Buy
A MagSafe charging station with fast-charging technology. We love its foldable, travel-friendly design, allowing us to charge up to three devices at once from anywhere.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I’m registered for my first Lexington turkey trot this year and might see some readers at the Thoroughbred Classic 5K on Thanksgiving morning. I’ll be bringing my sidekick, Jojo, for her first holiday season.
Pro tip: Dogs and strollers need a $5 racing bib, which can be purchased during registration or on race day.