Will Run for Pie: Newburyport's Maudslay Turkey Trot Guide

Thanksgiving morning in Newburyport is bringing two local running traditions together. In 2026, the Will Run for Pie 5K is joining the Newburyport Maudslay Turkey Trot for one community race at Maudslay State Park. Scheduled for Thursday, November 26, the event offers runners and walkers a chance to enjoy the outdoors, support local charities, and start the holiday with a North Shore tradition.

What to Know Before Race Day

The 2026 Newburyport Maudslay Turkey Trot 5K begins at 8:20 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, at Maudslay State Park on Curzon Mill Road.

This year's event brings together the Winners Circle Running Club (WCRC) and Joppa Flats Running Club (JFRC). JFRC will lead the 2026 race, with WCRC scheduled to take over stewardship of the Maudslay Turkey Trot beginning in 2027.

There will not be a separate Will Run for Pie race in Salisbury in 2026. Instead, participants from both running communities are invited to join the combined event in Newburyport.

The course is a 5K cross-country run/walk through Maudslay State Park. Participants should expect natural surfaces and terrain rather than a conventional paved road course.

Here are the confirmed details:

• Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026

• Start time: 8:20 a.m.

• Location: Maudslay State Park, Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport, Massachusetts

• Distance: 5K cross-country run/walk

• Adult registration: $32 for ages 18 and older

• Youth registration: $27 for participants ages 18 and younger

• Bresnahan School Running Club registration: $20 for students in Pre-K through Grade 3

• Online registration deadline: Wednesday, November 25, at 10:00 a.m.

The first 900 registered participants will receive a race shirt. Availability is limited, so early registration is recommended.

Participants can pick up their race bibs and shirts on Wednesday, November 25, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at RiverWalk Brewing Company. Race-day pickup begins at 7:00 a.m. at the white garage across from the Maudslay State Park parking lot.

Parking may be busy on Thanksgiving morning, so participants should allow extra time to arrive and consider carpooling.

View the official race details and registration

Why Locals Keep Coming Back

Maudslay State Park covers approximately 450 acres along the Merrimack River, offering wooded trails, open meadows, and historic landscaped grounds. It's a popular destination for walking, running, and enjoying nature throughout the year.

The Thanksgiving Turkey Trot gives residents another reason to experience the park while participating in a community event.

For people who have recently moved to Newburyport or West Newbury, the race can be an approachable way to connect with local runners, walkers, families, and volunteers.

The charitable component is another important part of the tradition. According to the organizers, 100% of net proceeds are donated to local charitable organizations, including Our Neighbors' Table, The Pettengill House, and area food pantries.

By combining the two Thanksgiving races, the participating clubs are continuing a longstanding community tradition while supporting local causes.

What This Means For You

• Register before the November 25 online deadline, and sign up earlier if receiving a race shirt matters to you.

• Plan to arrive well before the 8:20 a.m. start, especially if you need to collect your bib on race morning.

• The event welcomes runners and walkers of different ages and abilities, although participants should be comfortable navigating a cross-country course.

• Dress for late-November conditions and wear footwear suitable for natural trails, which may be wet or uneven.

• After the event, downtown Newburyport is a short drive away for a waterfront walk or a visit to a local business, depending on Thanksgiving Day opening hours.

The combined Will Run for Pie and Maudslay Turkey Trot is a good example of the community traditions that make Greater Newburyport distinctive. It brings people together outdoors while supporting organizations that serve local residents.

If you're exploring a move to Newburyport, events like this offer a glimpse of the area's recreational opportunities and community involvement. Explore what daily life is actually like in Newburyport.