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.

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!

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.

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:

• 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.