Trot for a Cause: Sandestin’s Annual Turkey Trot Supports Sandestin Foundation for Kids

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and giving back—and there’s no better way to celebrate than at the annual Sandestin Turkey Trot! This festive Thanksgiving morning tradition at Baytowne Marina invites runners and walkers to lace up for a scenic 5K or 1-Mile Wobble Gobble while supporting a cause that changes lives: the Sandestin Foundation for Kids (SDFK).

A Thanksgiving Tradition on the Emerald Coast

The Sandestin Turkey Trot has become one of the most beloved Thanksgiving events on the Emerald Coast. Participants of all ages can choose between the 5K Fun Run and the 1-Mile Wobble Gobble, each winding through Sandestin’s picturesque resort landscape. The atmosphere is filled with festive energy—music, laughter, and coastal sunshine set the tone for a holiday morning that’s equal parts fun and meaningful.

After the race, participants gather in Baytowne Marina for refreshments, photo ops, and awards. Whether you’re running for your best time or strolling with family, you’ll cross the finish line with more than just a medal—you’ll carry the spirit of giving that defines the Sandestin community.

Giving Back Through Every Step

This year’s event proudly benefits the Sandestin Foundation for Kids, a nonprofit organization founded to make an immediate and lasting difference in the lives of children and families in need. What makes SDFK unique is its ability to act quickly—responding within hours or days to children’s emergencies, both locally and across the globe.

From medical care and disaster relief to educational support and child welfare, the foundation helps bridge critical gaps when time matters most. Through direct donations, local partnerships, and volunteer efforts, every contribution from events like the Turkey Trot fuels real change.

Small Actions, Big Impact: Success Stories that Inspire

Each year, SDFK’s reach extends far beyond Sandestin’s gates, transforming lives through compassion and community generosity. Here are just a few of the ways supporters like you have helped make a difference:

• Disaster Relief After Hurricane Michael: Following one of the most devastating storms to ever hit the Florida Panhandle, SDFK provided emergency supplies, shelter support, and funds to families displaced across Northwest Florida—many of whom were parents and children connected to the local hospitality industry.
   
• Global Medical Missions: The foundation has supported children in developing countries who need urgent surgeries and care, partnering with medical teams to ensure those in life-threatening conditions receive the treatment they deserve.
   
• Local School Assistance: Through donations of clothing, supplies, and funding for basic needs, SDFK helps children in local schools thrive. Whether it’s providing shoes for a student or sponsoring educational field trips, these small acts often make the biggest impact.
   
• Community Partnerships: SDFK regularly partners with other organizations, such as Alaqua Animal Refuge, Children in Crisis, and Food for Thought Outreach, amplifying its reach across the Emerald Coast.
   

Each success story begins with a simple act of kindness—from a runner’s registration to a family’s donation. The Turkey Trot is one of those opportunities where fun meets purpose, and every participant becomes part of a much larger story of hope.

How to Join the Fun

📅 Date: Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 28, 2025
 📍 Location: Baytowne Marina, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
 🏃‍♂️ Race Options: 5K Fun Run & 1-Mile Wobble Gobble
 🔗 Registration & Details: Sandestin Turkey Trot Event Page

Run for More Than the Finish Line

Every year, hundreds of locals and guests wake up early, tie on their running shoes, and hit the course—not just to burn off pre-feast calories, but to make a tangible difference. By joining the Sandestin Turkey Trot, you’re helping fund programs that heal, uplift, and empower children and families in need.

It’s more than a race. It’s a reflection of what Thanksgiving truly stands for: gratitude, community, and generosity.

So grab your family, your friends, and your favorite running shoes—then join us this Thanksgiving to Trot for a Cause and make every mile meaningful. Together, we can spread hope one stride at a time.