Staten Island Lou Marli Turkey Trot at Clove Lakes Park

About this adventure

Staten Island's longest-running and most heartfelt Thanksgiving sports tradition! Held annually on Thanksgiving morning in picturesque Clove Lakes Park, the Lou Marli Turkey Trot is a grassroots community run organized by the Brighton Kiwanis Club and Staten Island Athletic Club in honor of Lou Marli, a beloved neighborhood pharmacist and civic mentor. Unlike commercial big-budget races, this cherished event has famously maintained a true community spirit with no mandatory entry fees, inviting participating families to bring canned food goods or donations for local food pantries. The morning features dedicated youth races ranging from 1/4-mile dashes for toddlers to 1-mile loops for older kids, followed by a friendly 3-mile walk/run winding around serene lakes, rustic stone bridges, and 300-year-old tulip trees. Family Tips: Clove Lakes Park offers paved, level pathways that are fully accessible for strollers and multi-generational family strolls. Free parking is available near the Clove Road and Victory Boulevard entrances, though arriving by 8:15 AM ensures a close spot. Kids receive ribbons and holiday treats, making it a stress-free, healthy way to kick off Thanksgiving morning on Staten Island.