Every Step Helps Fill a Backpack
How the 2026 Branson Turkey Trot is helping local children through Gift of Hope’s Backpack Club.
Thanksgiving morning in Branson is about to get a little more meaningful.
The 15th Annual Branson Turkey Trot is returning to Branson Landing on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and this year, every step will help support local children through Gift of Hope’s Backpack Club.
The Turkey Trot has become a Thanksgiving tradition for families, friends and runners from throughout the Ozarks. It’s a chance to get outside, have some fun, work off a little of that Thanksgiving dinner before it even hits the table—and start the holiday surrounded by the people you love.
But this year, there’s another reason to lace up your shoes.
RUN LOCAL. GIVE LOCAL. THREE OCTOBER RACES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
This October, your miles can do more than get you to the finish line.
October is one of the best times of year to run in the Ozarks. Cooler temperatures, beautiful fall scenery and a full calendar of events make it the perfect month to lace up and get moving.
But this October, there’s another reason to choose a local starting line.
This October, three races on the ActNow Racing calendar offer runners something that goes beyond the finish line. Each event benefits a local nonprofit, with proceeds supporting causes and organizations within our own communities. These aren't races produced simply for profit—they are community events created with a purpose, where every registration can help make a difference close to home.
OneSolePurpose: Every Step Has a Purpose
A Springfield race that turns miles into new shoes for local children
There are plenty of reasons to run a race.
To challenge yourself.
To get moving.
To spend a Saturday morning with friends and family.
But sometimes, you can run for something bigger than yourself.
That’s the idea behind the OneSolePurpose 5K, 10K & 1-Mile Fun Walk, returning to Springfield on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Now in its 16th year, OneSolePurpose has built a remarkable legacy in the Springfield community. Since 2010, the organization has helped provide approximately 37,500 pairs of new shoes to children in need.
And every year, local runners and walkers help keep that mission moving forward.
Why the Branson Turkey Trot Has Become the Turkey Trot to Run
There are plenty of Turkey Trots around the Ozarks. But there is something different about waking up on Thanksgiving morning, heading to
Branson Landing and seeing hundreds of people gathered along the waterfront, ready to start the holiday together.
That is what makes the Branson Turkey Trot more than just another 5K.
On Thursday, November 26, the 15th Annual Branson Turkey Trot will return to Branson Landing for another Thanksgiving morning tradition. The 5K begins at 8 a.m., giving runners and walkers a chance to get outside, spend time with family and friends, and start Thanksgiving on a high note.
And after 15 years, it is pretty clear that people have made this race part of their holiday tradition.
48th Annual Polar Bear Run Releases 2027 Sweatshirt Design
BOLIVAR, Mo. — A familiar winter tradition is getting a new look for 2027.
The 48th Annual Polar Bear Run has released this year's official sweatshirt design, featuring the event's popular polar bear mascot along with the bold blue, red and white artwork created for the 2027 race.
For runners who look forward to collecting the Polar Bear sweatshirt each year, there is another reason to register early: the sweatshirt is included with registration, and the entry fees remain affordable.
Pre-registration for the 5K is $35, while the 10K is $45. Race-day registration increases to $45 for the 5K and $55 for the 10K.
At $35, the 5K offers runners the opportunity to take part in a 48-year Bolivar tradition and receive this year's sweatshirt without a high entry fee.
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