Events
5K Run/Walk
Youth Fun Run
The Hickory Foundation YMCA is excited to announce that we will celebrate the 25th Annual Hickory Turkey Trot 5K, 10K, and Fun Run on Saturday - November 21st, 2026. Proceeds from this race help the Y carry out its Mission to provide programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body to make Hickory a stronger community. Your race entry fee and generous Donations will help to continue this support in our community.
🎁 2026 Giveaway
All participants who enter by November 8th, 2026 will receive this year's custom long sleeve t-shirt! After November 8th we cannot guarantee you a shirt in your size or possibly one in any size, so register today!
🏆 Awards
NEW FOR 2026: We have replaced the formal end of race award ceremony. Instead of waiting, award winners will be able to claim their award, track-side near the finish line, on a rolling basis throughout the morning as results are confirmed by our timer. Once you claim your award, head over to our our official Hickory Turkey Trot photo station. This is BYOC (bring your own camera).
NOTE: In the event of rain or high wind, awards and the photo station will be available inside of the main YMCA building, in the Maple Room.
Top Male & Female of 5K & 10K Winners will receive:
-One month YMCA membership for free!
-$50 gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods
-A turkey!
-A trophy!
-Overall winners are not eligible for Age Group awards
The Top Three Male & Female finishers in the following Age Groups will receive a gift card to Fleet Feet of Hickory!
First Place: $20
Second Place: $15
Third: $10
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-69,
70 +*
*Special presentation for the oldest male and female participants in both the 5K and 10K
The Top Three Male & Female finishers in the following Age Groups will receive a medal!
9 & Under
10-14
15-19
📩 Packet Pickup
TEAM ONLY Packet Pickup*: (Your group leader will pick up for you)
Thursday, November 19th, 11:00am - 1:00pm & 3:00pm - 5:00pm
LOCATION: C.O. Miller Teen Center, 701 1st St NW, Hickory, NC 28601
INDIVIDUAL Runner Packet Pickup/Onsite Registration:
Pre-Race Day: Friday, November 20st, 11:00am - 1:00pm, 3:00pm - 5:00pm - We highly recommend you pick up on this day!
Race Day Registration/Packet Pickup: 7:00am - 9:00am
LOCATION: C.O. Miller Teen Center, 701 1st St NW, Hickory, NC 28601
*If you are a member of a team, you do not need to pick up your bib or t-shirt in person. You team leader will take care of that for you!
📅 Race-Day Schedule
7:00AM-9:00 AM: Onsite packet pickup and registration
8:15am: Youth Fun Run start time
9:00am: 10k start time*
9:03am: 5k start time*
*Please note: 1 hour 30 minute cutoff time for all race participants to complete the race.
🤝 Corporate Teams
Please contact your Team Manager for Registration Details!
🦃 Youth Fun Run
Kids, ages 12 & Under The course will take place in the field behind the Hickory Foundation YMCA. The Kids’ Fun Run begins at 8:15am. Parents are welcome to join! Bring on the little Turkeys."
👻 Phantom 5k & 10k
This “Do It Yourself” event will allow participants to run or walk at any time and any location that is convenient and safe for you and your families. Run a local 5K or 10K route (like the Turkey Trot courses), around the block, on trails,12.5 laps around the track, or even run on a treadmill. You don't even have to live in North Carolina - so please invite friends and family in other states or countries to join the fun. Must register by November 9th to receive a race t-shirt!
⏰ Entry Fee Schedule
5k/10k:
July 1st - August 30th: $30/$35
August 31st - November 8th: $35/$40
November 9th - November 20th: $45/$50
Race Day: $50/$55
Phantom 5k & 10k:
July 1st - Race Day: $30
Youth Fun Run:
July 1st - Race Day: $15
🤑 Earn a FREE Entry!
Do you want a FREE ENTRY? It's Simple - AFTER you’ve registered - a "Refer Your Friends!" pop-up will appear - Post, Tweet, and/or email the message to everyone you know.
OR Later - share your unique link found in your RunSignUp Confirmation E-mail = "Remember to invite your friends..."
When they use your link to sign up - you'll be refunded $10 for the first three (3) friends who register for the 5K Run, 5/10K Phantom and $15 for the 10K. Then $5 for the next two (2) and so on until your registration is FREE! [Free is Good!!]
Fine Print: The intial registration processing fee will not be refunded, you can not go below $0, refunds will not apply to Add-Ons, Purchases, Donations or the Fun Run. Funds will be refunded, within 3-4 business day, to the credit card used for the initial registration.
Invite your friends, family, and/or running buddies out for a Trot!
📝Contact Us!
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.