The Cape Carteret Turkey Trot costs $40 to $50 to enter and takes place on November 26, 2026, in Cape Carteret, North Carolina. The race starts at 8:00 AM from 300 Taylor Notion Rd. and offers two distance options: a 1-mile run and a 5K. This event provides an accessible option for runners of varying fitness levels who want to compete on Thanksgiving morning or the day after. Whether you're looking for a short, fast effort or a longer race day workout, the Turkey Trot accommodates both with its dual-distance format.
From the Race Organizer
Get your costumes ready and get your flock together to enjoy a beautiful Thanksgiving morning together. Walk, run, or strut 5k or 1 mile on a course through the beautiful Star Hill area and on the brand new Cape Carteret Trail! This is NOT a timed event. It is just plain fun, family, and community. Flock Registration is a good way to get the whole family active on Thanksgiving morning, save some bucks, and burn calories for the rest of the day! Register as a flock, and your flock will be entered to win the best-dressed flock at the race! The course is flat and fast 5k through Star Hill and NEW this year the 1 mile loop around the Cape Carteret Trail. You can access both routes online through RunGo at the following link - 5k - https://routes.rungoapp.com/route/M3ilmIaEgZ 1mi - https://routes.rungoapp.com/route/jdnDllHLIg Shirts The first 200 registered participants are guaranteed aTurkey Trot race shirt. Stay tuned for our shirt reveal, you know you love our shirts with our Turkey Trot race logo on the front and our local sponsors on the back. Don't worry, if we are out of your shirt size, you will receive a turkey trot medal! This year's shirt has a special design that signifies our support for our new charity partner. AWARDS 1st male to cross the 5k finish line wins a pumpkin pie! 1st female to cross the 5k finish line wins a pumpkin pie! Best dressed flock wins a pumpkin pie! Best dressed Turkey wins a..... Yes, (you guessed it) A PUMPKIN PIE!! Extended Packet Pick Up Pick-up will be available during staffed hours the week of the Turkey Trot. Monday starting at noon. Tuesday staffed hours. Wednesday staffed hours. Race Morning starting at 7:00am until 7:55am. Start/Finish Area As always the BIG, BLUE ARCH will be located at The GYM Cape Carteret Aquatic & Wellness 300 Taylor Notion Road Cape Carteret, NC 28584. Registration will be open up until the race starts, but you can expect considerable price increases on Race Morning. ***Cash, check, or credit cards accepted*** ONLINE REGISTRATION PREFERRED Water and Aid Stations will be set up throughout the course. Parking Instructions Please be aware that parking was altered last year due to the construction of the new pickleball court. Only volunteers, vendors, staff, and first responders are to park in the gym parking lot. All participants and spectators are required to park at White Oak Elementary or the library next door to the gym. Deanna greatly appreciates your cooperation in a smooth parking operation on race morning. Let’s be safe out there! White Oak Elementary Parking Address: 555 W B McLean Dr, Cape Carteret, NC 28584 Parking here will require a walk from parking to the start/finish and back along a portion of the Cape Carteret Trail. This parking option will have the most spaces available. Library Parking Address: 230 Taylor Notion Rd, Cape Carteret, NC 28584 Parking at the library will be a much shorter walk, but has less spaces available. We have provided a map to the parking areas and start/finish for your convenience. If you need handicap parking, please contact Deanna McElmon directly and she will make arrangements for you. Run for a Cause The proceeds from this event will go directly to our chosen local charity partner, Easter Seals PORT Health EMPOWER in Morehead City, NC. Any donations made through this RunSignUp.com page will go directly to the charity partner. Click here for more information >>> Easter Seals PORT Health EMPOWER
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for November 26.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Cape Carteret, NC.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Cape Carteret Turkey Trot 2026 — Cape Carteret, NC?
Cape Carteret Turkey Trot 2026 — Cape Carteret, NC takes place on November 26, 2026. The race is held in Cape Carteret, North Carolina.
Where is Cape Carteret Turkey Trot 2026 — Cape Carteret, NC held?
Cape Carteret Turkey Trot 2026 — Cape Carteret, NC is held at 300 Taylor Notion Rd. in Cape Carteret, North Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near Cape Carteret Turkey Trot 2026 — Cape Carteret, NC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Cape Carteret. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
