Events
Description
We are back on the Boone Greenway Trail for the 16th Annual High Country Turkey Trot! Choose from a 5K or 10K timed race or an untimed Fun Run/Walk.
Taking place on Thanksgiving morning, The High Country Turkey Trot is open to competitive runners, casual joggers, walkers, and fun runners. Far from just a race, the event is fun for the entire family and includes a live DJ, photo-staging area, costumes, and a picnic shed full of food and hot drinks.
NEW FOR 2026: We've updated the course route by reducing elevation gain and improving the terrain. That means less hill climbs and more stable footing! The 5K and 10K races will take you on a scenic trip over mixed terrain (gravel, grass, and paved) through the woods via The Greenway and Kennedy Trails. Official course map to revealed soon!
The Fun Run/Walk will utilize all paved trails throughout the park - making it accessible to everyone, including leashed dogs, strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids.
The High Country Turkey Trot offers prizes for top 3 Men's & Women's finishers in the 5k & 10k timed runs, Finisher Medals for all runners in the 5K and 10K timed runs, and custom High Country Turkey Trot T-Shirts for all entrants*.
All participants are asked to bring non-perishable boxes or canned food items!
The High Country Turkey Trot is LARGEST 5K & 10K in North Carolina's High Country. Join the fun on Thanksgiving morning 2026!
START TIME
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10K Timed Race Start Time: 8:50
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5K Timed Race Start Time: 9:00
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Fun Run/Walk Start Time: 9:10
ROUTE TERRAIN
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INTERACTIVE COURSE MAPS: CLICK HERE
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5K & 10K RACE: Greenway Trail + Path – partially paved, mostly grass and wooded trail/dirt.
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FUN RUN / WALK: Greenway Trail - 100% paved
AWARDS
All finishers will received a custom High Country Turkey Trot finisher medal!
Overall Winners: Top 3 overall men and women will receive custom HCTT swag and a Stick Boy Bread Co. pumpkin pie!
Age Groups: Top 3 in each age group will receive custom HCTT swag! Age groups are as follows: 9 & Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
FIRST AID PROVIDED BY: Watauga Rescue, stationed at the start/finish line.
2026 SWAG!
Swag designs will be revealed in Summer 2026!
ALL FINISHERS: Will receive a custom HCTT long sleeve and a finisher medal!
OVERALL WINNERS: In addition to a pie from Stick Boy Bread Co., the top three overall winners in M/F will receive HCTT custom swag!
AGE GROUP WINNERS: Top three in finishers in all age groups will receive a custom HCTT custom swag!
This Event Benefits Hospitality House of Northwest N.C.
By participating in the High Country Turkey Trot, you'll be contributing to the mission of Hospitality House of Northwest N.C., a regional nonprofit providing housing, shelter, food access, homeless prevention, and crisis assistance. 2025 is our 41st anniversary and we remain steadfast in our mission; committed to the health, safety and welfare of those that we serve in our seven mountain county region. We operate 24/7 providing a vital safety-net for thousands of people in need each year. Every step you take helps rebuild lives and strengthens the community.
Food Donations: Boxed goods, canned goods, dry goods - coffee, tea, sugar, food cards.
Donation Drop Bins: Available at on-site registration area.
Monetary Donations: Cash, Checks & Credit Cards accepted during online registration and on race morning at the registration area.
Packet Pick-Up
BEFORE RACE DAY:
November 25, 2026 from 10am -6pm.
Hospitality House Housing & Outreach Center
160 Den-Mac Drive, Boone NC (right next to Hatchet Coffee).
ON RACE MORNING:
Packets will be available on-site beginning at 7:30am.
Place
355 M.L.K. Jr. St, Boone, NC 28607
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://www.hcturkeytrot.org.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Parking
Watauga Parks & Recreation and National Guard Armory lots on M.L.K. Jr. Street Boone, NC 28607.
Please allow a MINIMUM of 30 MINUTES to park and arrive at the race start.
Weather/Cancellation Policy
Weather:
- Rain, shine or snow – we are a GO: (Some folks no longer have the luxury of being indoors during bad weather. We ask that you remember the purpose of our Trot, be thankful that you have a home to go to and come on out to help those less fortunate. )
- Snow plows are available and trails will be clear
- Severe Weather: If there is lightning, flooding, hurricane winds an assessment will be made day of. Check HCTurkeyTrot.org or call (828) 264-1237 if you are unclear.
Event cancellation: if event is cancelled for any reason, you can pick up your shirts at Hospitality House Housing & Outreach Center and you will receive a THANK YOU letter for your entry fee/donation.
