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 be 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
5K: T-Shirt
10K: T-Shirt
Sleep In - Shirt Only!: T-Shirt
| Distance | Price | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | $30.00 | Jun 25 | Jul 7 |
| $35.00 | Jul 8 | Jul 30 | |
| $40.00 | Jul 31 | Nov 25 | |
| $45.00 | Nov 26 | Nov 26 | |
| 10K | $30.00 | Jun 25 | Jul 7 |
| $35.00 | Jul 8 | Jul 30 | |
| $40.00 | Jul 31 | Nov 25 |
| Year | Finishers | Median Time | Fastest Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 130 | 59:42 | 35:43 |
| 2024 | 129 | 58:33 | 38:35 |
| Year | Finishers | Median Time | Fastest Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 553 | 35:02 | 17:16 |
| 2024 | 435 | 33:42 | 18:01 |
| 2023 | 656 | 32:28 | 15:35 |
Interested in this race?
| $45.00 | Nov 26 | Nov 26 |
| Sleep In - Shirt Only! | $40.00 | Jun 25 | Nov 26 |
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.