Cape Fear Habitat Turkey Trot 2026 — Wilmington, NC

Date
November 26, 2026
Location
Wilmington, NC
Venue
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
Start Time
8:00 AM
Sunrise
6:53 AM
Entry Fee
$35.00 – $50.00
Events
5K, 1 Mile
Includes
T-Shirt
Register NowRegistration Open

The Cape Fear Habitat Turkey Trot takes place at Live Oak Bank Pavilion in Wilmington, North Carolina on November 26, 2026. This running event features a 1-mile distance, making it accessible for runners of varying abilities. The race starts at 8:00 AM, allowing plenty of time to warm up and get settled before the gun goes off. Entry fees range from $35 to $50. As a Thanksgiving-week event supporting Habitat for Humanity, the Turkey Trot combines a quick early-morning workout with community involvement. The pavilion venue in Wilmington provides a central location for both the race and post-race activities. Whether you're looking for a fast mile or a casual morning run, this event offers a straightforward option on the holiday racing calendar.

From the Race Organizer
WHAT Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity Turkey Trot. Your favorite Turkey Trot is moving from Wrightsville Beach to Downtown Wilmington due to construction. Kick off your Thanksgiving with a morning of family, fitness, and fun all while helping Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity build a home! Join the festivities this Thanksgiving at Wrightsville Beach for the Turkey Trot. Come dress in your finest Turkey costume and support a great cause while enjoying a 5K or 1 Mile along the Cape Fear River in historic downtown Wilmington. WHEN Thursday, November 26, 2026 -- Thanksgiving Day! START / FINISH LINE *New Location for 2026. Live Oak Bank Pavilion 10 Cowan Street Wilmington, NC 28401 DISTANCES OFFERED 1 Mile Run/Walk (Not Timed) 5K Run/Walk (Timed) *You can run or walk either event. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS For the Schedule of Events, including Packet Pickup, click HERE HOW TO REGISTER Register Before the Race: Click on SIGN UP in the upper right corner Register at Packet Pickup or At The Race: To register in-person at at packet pickup or race morning, we will provide a QR code for you to register on your phone. You can also register online from your phone or device up until the race starts. PARKING Parking will be available first-come, first-serve in any legal street parking spot or parking lot. Street Parking is free in downtown Wilmington on Thanksgiving. COSTUME CONTEST Best RACER Turkey Trot Costume Racers do not forget to don your BEST Turkey Trot Costumes! No preregistration needed. Just listen to the announcements that morning. Prizes will be awarded to the Best RACER Costume for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place. Best PET Thanksgiving Costume Although our furry friends are not allowed to race, they are welcome in the park at the start and finish area. Join our PET COSTUME PARTY! No preregistration needed. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Best PET Costume. *Be sure to stop by the Costume Contest Tent for judging between 7:30am - 8:30am. Winners will be announced at 9:15am HOW YOUR REGISTRATION HELPS The Cape Fear Habitat Turkey Trot at Wrightsville Beach is an annual fundraiser for Cape Fear Habitat to build homes, communities, and hope in New Hanover, Pender, and Duplin Counties. Last year, runners raised enough money to build a home for a neighbor in our community. Your family's Thanksgiving tradition at the Turkey Trot brings more families to the table. Thank you for building with us!

Course & Travel Notes

The Cape Fear Habitat Turkey Trot takes place in Wilmington, North Carolina on November 26, 2026, with an 8:00 AM start time just minutes after sunrise at 6:55 AM. The flat venue sits at only 7 feet of elevation, making it accessible for runners of all abilities. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is conveniently located just 3.1 miles from the race, simplifying travel logistics for out-of-town participants. Plan for typical late-November weather with highs around 67°F and lows near 45°F, though be prepared for potential rain as about 28% of days in this period see measurable precipitation.

⛰️ 7 ft elevation☀️ Typically 67°F / 45°F · 28% chance of rain✈️ Wilmington International Airport (ILM) — 3.1 mi

Hotels Near This Race

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Cape Fear Habitat Turkey Trot 2026 — Wilmington, NC

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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 Wilmington, 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
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Cape Fear Habitat Turkey Trot 2026 — Wilmington, NC?

Cape Fear Habitat Turkey Trot 2026 — Wilmington, NC takes place on November 26, 2026. The race is held in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Where is Cape Fear Habitat Turkey Trot 2026 — Wilmington, NC held?

Cape Fear Habitat Turkey Trot 2026 — Wilmington, NC is held at Live Oak Bank Pavilion in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Where can I find hotels near Cape Fear Habitat Turkey Trot 2026 — Wilmington, NC?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Wilmington. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.