Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut

We are offering two ways to enjoy the 2025 Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut run/walk. On-Site and In-Person on November 22nd at Kituwah Mound in Bryson City, NC. For those who live out of the area we also have the DIY 5K - November 15th-23rd.

IN-PERSON:

Hosted by Cherokee Choices, the Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut Run/Walk offers something for everyone - from seasoned runners to new joggers/walkers too. With Age Groups (and Awards) 8 & Under, 9-12, & 13-16 you know this is a real Family Fun event.

Come out and enjoy a beautiful course that Starts and Finishes at the Kituwah Mound. Cool shirts, great awards, and a great cause.

ALL (as in 100%) of all proceeds benefit Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness. Donate $50 or more and your Entry is FREE!!

RACE START:  12:00 NOON Race Day Registration is available from 11:00 to 11:45am.

AWARDS:
Top 3 Overall Male & Female

The 5K will be Scored as follows:
Top 3 Male & Female Age Groups: 8 & Under, 9-12, 13-16, 17-19, 20-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-50, 51-60, and 61+

ENTRY FEES:
Only $5 for Kids 12 & Under and Elders 60+
Adults: $15. $20 after November 2nd
Donate $50 or more and your Entry is FREE!!

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DIY 5K

In addition to the on-site 5K, Cherokee Choices is offering a "DIY" option for the 2025 Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut.

This “Do It Yourself” or Virtual Event will allow participants to run or walk at any time and any location that is convenient for you and your families. Run around the block, on trails, 12.5 laps around a track, or even run on a treadmill. You don't even have to live in Western NC - so please invite friends and family in other states or countries to join the fun.

While not required – you can submit your time for inclusion in the online “just for fun” results. We will collect times from November 16th until the 24th. Check out the "DIY 5K INFO" tab for additional details.

NOTE: Participants who register for the On-Site 5K are welcome to switch to the DIY 5K at any time. Please Contact the Race for details.

In addition to the on-site 5K, we are offering a "DIY" option for the Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut.

This “Do It Yourself” or Virtual 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 around the block, on trails, go down to the track, or even run on a treadmill. You don't even have to live in Western NC - so please invite friends and family in other states or countries to join the fun.

While not required – you can submit your time for inclusion in the online “just for fun” results. We will collect times November 16th until midnight on the 24th. Check out the "DIY 5K INFO" tab for additional details.

DIY Anywhere 5K: Saturday – November 16th  >> Sunday - November 24th

This “Do It Yourself” Event will enable you to run/walk at any time and in any location that is convenient for you. Run around the block, on trails, go down to the track (12.5 laps = 5K), or even run on a treadmill.

While not required – you can submit your time for inclusion in the online “Just For Fun” Results. We will collect times beginning Saturday November 16th until midnight Monday November 25th. There will be NO Overall or Age Group Awards.  Instructions on "How to submit your DIY Times” are listed below.

Don't like your time? Go Run or walk the same route again then submit a new time. We'll replace any/all previous times with the new one. Why not challenge yourself to improve your time every day? 

Don't want to brag about how fast you are?? You don't even have to list a time - just show that you ran or walked.

There are two ways to submit your results:

Go to the Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut site >> https://runsignup.com/5kturkeystrut Click on the "RESULTS" tab >> Click on “Submit Virtual Results” >> Follow the "Participant Lookup" instructions to find your registration details >> Once there – Click on “Submit Virtual Results” >> Enter Your Time >> Click “Submit Your Time”. Easy.

OR

Sign Into Your RunSignUp.com account >> Click on Your "Profile" in the Upper Right Corner >> Next to "Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut", on the right side, you'll see "Submit Virtual Results" >> click and follow the instructions to "Submit Results". Easy.

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Rules: This is a "Just For Fun - Do It Yourself - FUNdraiser" - so There Are No Rules. Everyone's on the honor system = please use a phone app like MapMyRun or Strava, OR run a confirmed distance (12.5 laps around the track, follow a local 5K route) to log your 5K run/walk. If you really want to "prove" you ran a 14:30 5K - email us a photo or screenshot of your Garmin, Strava, or other smart device via the "Race Contact Info" tab at the bottom of the page. [If you can run that fast - we'll be certain to forward it on to USA Track & Field.]

Kituwah is known as the Mother Town of the Cherokee People.  Hundreds of years ago, Kituwah Mound held the Council House and the first fire.  Around the mound was the Cherokee village.  During the time of the Removal (1830’s), the land was taken from the Cherokee including Kituwah.   Just within the last 25 years, the land has been returned the People.  Today it is many acres of farmland, although there is no village, the People use the land for gardens, dancing ceremonies and other important events.