Lakewood Ranch runners have a new Thanksgiving morning option: the inaugural Manatee River Turkey Trot, approved by both the Palmetto and Bradenton city councils for Thursday, Nov. 26, is expected to draw up to 2,000 runners across the DeSoto Bridge.
The race starts at the Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa, 600 U.S. 41, crosses the bridge over the Manatee River into Bradenton, turns around at Third Avenue and returns to the Marriott. It is the first running event to span both cities across the river, according to the Tampa Bay Beacons.
The start line sits roughly 10 to 15 miles from Lakewood Ranch.
How the cities approved the race
The Bradenton City Council voted 5-0 on Wednesday, July 22, to approve the event application. Council member Marianne Barnebey made the motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Kocher, under the council's Event Review Committee agenda item, according to city meeting minutes. The Palmetto City Council also approved the race, though the date of that vote has not been publicly confirmed.
One hurdle remains before the race is final
The event still needs approval from the Florida Department of Transportation before it can be fully confirmed. The DeSoto Bridge is a state road, and FDOT sign-off is required for any race that closes or restricts traffic on it. No timeline for that decision has been announced.
A tradition of cross-river events
Palmetto and Bradenton have a track record of joint community events. In June 2025, the two cities co-hosted a shared Independence Day celebration at Rossi Park in Bradenton and Riverside Park in Palmetto. Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said in a June 2025 press release about that joint celebration that the collaboration showed "what's possible when we come together."
No race organizer has been named. Registration details have not yet been announced.
What to know
- What: Inaugural Manatee River Turkey Trot
- When: Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving morning)
- Where: Starts at Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa, 600 U.S. 41, Palmetto
- Route: Out-and-back across DeSoto Bridge, turnaround at Third Avenue in Bradenton
- Registration: Not yet open
