Asheville – Before you tuck in a turkey, trot through South Asheville on Thanksgiving morning. The 3rd annual South Asheville Turkey Trot presented by Hunter Subaru returns to Biltmore Park Town Square on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 25 at 9 am. Last year, due to the pandemic, the event commenced in Fletcher. Race organizers are enthusiastic about its return to Asheville.
Race Director, Daphne Kirkwood said, “We are so excited to return to Biltmore Park Town Square in South Asheville on the most popular running holiday in the United States. We can’t wait to welcome back our entire community and visitors to WNC for this annual Thanksgiving tradition. This will be like the largest family reunion ever with participants just like you!”
This is a USA Track & Field certified 5k that traverses through picturesque Biltmore Park Town Square and the surrounding neighborhood in South Asheville.
Though associated with yummy food, family and relaxation, Thanksgiving is the largest running holiday in the country, according to Running USA, a nonprofit organization that tracks running trends. This is in part to the massive growth in turkey trots. Participants often run as a family before passing the potatoes.
Runner’s family and friends are invited to join in and cheer them on—there’s plenty of parking at the start and finish. Due to the increase in popularity, the 5k has limited spots available. This year’s race is limited to 1,500 participants.
This is a chip-timed race and results are posted online live throughout the race. A safe, rolling wave start allows for a less crowded experience. Fast, competitive runners are encouraged to sign up for the first wave. Strollers are welcome but encouraged to start at the back of the pack. Dogs are not allowed on the race site.
Runners will traverse through a moderately rolling course—this is the only running event permitted in Biltmore Park. It is a fully marked course on pavement.
Virtual 5k
Rather than attending in person, runners can participate in the Virtual 5k. Participants complete their 5k runs anytime, anywhere and submit their results on the race roster page. They will receive a unique turkey trot finisher metal and a Run. Eat. Nap. t-shirt. Results can be submitted up until Sunday, Nov. 28 at midnight to count towards prizes and awards.
Swag
Race swag includes a comfy Run. Eat. Nap. t-shirt, a Hunter Subaru goody bag and a commemorative finisher medal.
Featured non-profit partner
The race supports Sheep Dog Impact Assistance. The organization helps veterans and first responders get physically active and find community. Race funds will aid programs including the purchasing of care packages for first responders working on Christmas Eve and Christmas meals and gifts for veteran and first responder families. Additionally, funds will be allocated for a program that supports veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD. Turkey Trot participants can donate directly to Sheep Dog when you register online. Race organizer iDaph events is encouraging everyone to make this holiday season a giving season.
About Biltmore Park Town Square
The race begins in Biltmore Park Town Square, a vibrant town center filled with shops and restaurants. Locally owned boutiques, kids’ shops and national retailers including REI and Barnes & Noble line the sidewalk. The area hosts free summer concerts and weekly tailgate famers markets. Locals and tourists alike gather at restaurants and taverns.
Involvement
Want to be a part of the 5k festivities but not run in the race? The turkey trot is seeking volunteers to help with various items leading up to and on the day of the race. Volunteers will receive a Run. Eat. Nap race shirt.
Awards
The in-person awards ceremony honors the top three overall finishers (male/female) and the top finisher in the masters category (male/female). They are also honoring the top three finishers in the 15 age group categories. Overall and masters winners receive a Fleet Feet Asheville gift certificate.