Maidstone’s Turkey Run 2025, East Malling

7th December 2025 from 11:00am

Join us for the 32nd Turkey Run. A festive 7.5 mile run from East Malling Research Station, on Sunday, 7th December 2025

A fully-marshalled, multi-terrain 12km run, with lots of local support and a beautiful finisher’s medal.

The runners at the starting line for the Turkey Run, 2024, organised by the Maidstone Harriers

Why Enter The Turkey Run?

The Turkey Run is a light‑hearted event across 12km of country lanes, footpaths and woodland tracks around East Malling and Barming. It’s fully marshalled with chip timing and medical support. Every finisher gets a bespoke medal, T‑shirt and goody bag. We’re also hosting a dedicated Canicross run.

Great winter challenge

Scenic lanes, fields and woodland paths with a friendly, festive atmosphere.

Well supported

It’s a fully marshalled course with chip timing and on‑site medical cover.

Finisher rewards

Get a bespoke medal, a T‑shirt, and some extra goodies!

Bring your four‑legged friend

We host a separate Canicross event that takes place alongside the main event.

The Turkey Run, 2025

The runners in fancy dress, ready for the Turkey Run, 2024, organised by the Maidstone Harriers

The runners in fancy dress, ready at the starting line for the Turkey Run, 2024, organised by the Maidstone Harriers

Date:

7th December 2025

Location:

East Malling Research Station,
New Road,
East Malling, Kent.
ME20 6AP

Distance:

7.5 Miles

Type:

Multi-terrain

Entry Fee:

£27 affiliated club member

£29 unaffiliated

Start Time:

11:00am

Age:

16+

Facilities:

Parking and refreshments

On‑the‑day entries are subject to availability. We recommend pre‑entry.

Course Route

A classic Kent multi‑terrain mix: a short road section to start and finish, then country lanes, farm tracks and woodland. It can be hilly, muddy and a bit technical in places, with Oaken Wood often the gloopy bit to respect. Trail shoes help.

Download GPX File

What’s it Like?

The Turkey Run is a long‑running fixture with a friendly club feel and a proper pre‑Christmas buzz. Fancy dress is part of the fun, and the finish line usually comes with the sort of cheer that makes cold hands warm again. Over recent years, the event has typically had 350 to 500 finishers, which gives the start line a lively atmosphere without feeling crowded on the trails. Canicross has become a popular addition too, drawing around fifty dog‑and‑runner teams to the course.

Medals & Prizes

We’ll be awarding medals and prizes for the following categories:

Male: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Male: 1st V40, V50, V60, V70
Female: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Female: 1st V35, V45, V55, V65
1st Club Team (5 to score, minimum 1 lady)
1st Fun Team (5 to score, minimum 2 ladies)
Best Fancy Dress: 1st male and 1st female (full costume required)

FAQs

When does it start?

Start time is 11.00. Final details go out in race week

Is there parking?

Yes. Free on-site parking at East Malling Research. Please car share and follow the marshal’s directions

Where do I collect my number?

On the day of the race, at the organiser’s HQ. Arrive 45-60 minutes early

Should I wear road shoes or trail shoes?

The Turkey Run is a mixed-terrain event and is most enjoyable and memorable when it’s a bit muddy! Trail shoes or other running shoes with good grip are likely to be better than road shoes. The route is not suitable for spikes

Are there toilets?

Yes. Toilets are available at the venue

Are there refreshment facilities?

Yes. The cafe will be open to serve hot drinks and food

Is there water provided on the course?

Yes. Water stations will be set out along the course route

Can I run with my dog?

Yes. In the Canicross race only. One dog per runner. Use recognised kit, waist belt, bungee line, and harness. No dogs are allowed in the standard race

Can I wear headphones?

No. Headphones and earphones of all types are prohibited. The event operates under EA cross-country regulations

Are buggies allowed?

No. Not suitable because of the narrow and uneven trails

Can I get there by public transport?

Yes. East Malling Station is a short walk from the research centre.

Do I need to pay for photographs?

No. All photos taken during the event will be made available on our website free of charge

Race Day in Pictures

A glimpse into the atmosphere, from the start, at East Malling Research Station, to the finish line celebrations, volunteers and medals. This is what makes the event special.

View Photo Gallery 2024 View Photo Gallery 2023 View Photo Gallery 2022 View Photo Gallery 2021 View Photo Gallery 2019 View Photo Gallery 2018