High Country Turkey Trot 5K & 10K

Boone, North Carolina
High Country Turkey Trot 5K & 10K official race logo - running event in Boone, North Carolina
DATE:
TIME:
LOCATION:
Boone, North Carolina
PRICE:
Free
DISTANCES:
3 Events: 10K, 5K, 5K

About High Country Turkey Trot 5K & 10K

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
  • 10K Timed Race Start Time: 8:50
  • 5K Timed Race Start Time: 9:00
  • Fun Run/Walk Start Time: 9:10

ROUTE TERRAIN
  • INTERACTIVE COURSE MAPS: CLICK HERE
  • 5K & 10K RACE: Greenway Trail + Path – partially paved, mostly grass and wooded trail/dirt. 
  • 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.
High Country Turkey Trot 5K & 10KWe 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 10K Timed Race Start Time: 8:50 5K Timed Race Start Time: 9:00 Fun Run/Walk Start Time: 9:10 ROUTE TERRAIN INTERACTIVE COURSE MAPS: CLICK HERE 5K & 10K RACE: Greenway Trail + Path – partially paved, mostly grass and wooded trail/dirt.  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.
Boone, NC

Race Events & Distances

Choose from 4 race distances available for High Country Turkey Trot 5K & 10K in Boone, NC. Registration includes timing, finisher medals, and post-race refreshments.

10K Timed Trail Race

10K (6.2 miles)
Distance
10K (6.2 miles)
Start Time
Registration Fee
$0.00
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Boone, NC
BooneNC
High Country Turkey Trot 5K & 10K Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about 10K Timed Trail Race

How long is the 10K Timed Trail Race?
The 10K Timed Trail Race covers 10K (6.2 miles).
What time does the 10K Timed Trail Race start?
The 10K Timed Trail Race starts at 8:50:00 AM.
How much does it cost to register for the 10K Timed Trail Race?
Registration for the 10K Timed Trail Race costs $0.00.
Where is the 10K Timed Trail Race located?
The 10K Timed Trail Race takes place in Boone, NC.

Sleep In - Shirt Only!

Start Time
Registration Fee
$0.00
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Boone, NC
BooneNC
High Country Turkey Trot 5K & 10K Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about Sleep In - Shirt Only!

How long is the Sleep In - Shirt Only!?
The Sleep In - Shirt Only! covers Distance varies.
What time does the Sleep In - Shirt Only! start?
The Sleep In - Shirt Only! starts at 9:00:00 AM.
How much does it cost to register for the Sleep In - Shirt Only!?
Registration for the Sleep In - Shirt Only! costs $0.00.
Where is the Sleep In - Shirt Only! located?
The Sleep In - Shirt Only! takes place in Boone, NC.

5K Timed Race

5K (3.1 miles)
Distance
5K (3.1 miles)
Start Time
Registration Fee
$0.00
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Boone, NC
BooneNC
High Country Turkey Trot 5K & 10K Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about 5K Timed Race

How long is the 5K Timed Race?
The 5K Timed Race covers 5K (3.1 miles).
What time does the 5K Timed Race start?
The 5K Timed Race starts at 9:00:00 AM.
How much does it cost to register for the 5K Timed Race?
Registration for the 5K Timed Race costs $0.00.
Where is the 5K Timed Race located?
The 5K Timed Race takes place in Boone, NC.

Fun Run/Walk

5K (3.1 miles)
Distance
5K (3.1 miles)
Start Time
Registration Fee
$0.00
https://schema.org/EventScheduledhttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode
Boone, NC
BooneNC
High Country Turkey Trot 5K & 10K Organizers

Frequently Asked Questions about Fun Run/Walk

How long is the Fun Run/Walk?
The Fun Run/Walk covers 5K (3.1 miles).
What time does the Fun Run/Walk start?
The Fun Run/Walk starts at 9:15:00 AM.
How much does it cost to register for the Fun Run/Walk?
Registration for the Fun Run/Walk costs $0.00.
Where is the Fun Run/Walk located?
The Fun Run/Walk takes place in Boone, NC.

Registration Information

Registration is typically available online until race day (subject to capacity). Early registration is recommended for guaranteed entry and potential early bird pricing. Check with race organizers for specific event details and included amenities.

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