This Turkey Trot is free to enter, making it an affordable option for runners and walkers heading to Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina on November 26, 2026. The event offers a 5K run/walk and a 1.5 mile dog stroll, giving you flexibility in how you want to participate. The race starts at 8:30 AM at 196 Oakleaf Drive. Whether you're looking for a competitive 5K effort or a more casual outing with your dog, this Thanksgiving morning event accommodates both. With no registration fee, you can focus your race budget on accommodations and travel to coastal North Carolina.
From the Race Organizer
Join us for the 19th annual Pine Knoll Shores Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2026 at 8:30 AM. The 5K Run & Dog Stroll are free run or walk events, and all are welcome. The Turkey Trot is also charitable event that supports the Hope for the Warriors Angel Tree Project. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation! We would greatly appreciate it! REGISTRATION* Online registration is available through midnight on November 25 or you can register in person Wednesday, November 25, from 3:00-4:00 PM at McNeil Park or Thanksgiving morning, November 26, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at McNeill Park that serves as the starting location for the event. No registrations will be taken after 8:00 AM on race day. You can register for either: The 5K (3.1 mile) run or walk passes through the streets of Pine Knoll Shores and the Crystal Coast Country Club golf course (no strollers or dogs will be allowed), The 1.5-mile dog stroll will traverse the streets of Pine Knoll Shores. (No entry will be allowed on the Golf Course with pets or strollers). See the links on the event website for maps of both the 5K and Dog Stroll. The courses are different. The 5K Run/Walk begins at 8:30 AM followed immediately by the Dog Stroll at 8:35 AM. When you register for either event you may order and pay for a PKS Turkey Trot T-shirt, and you will also be eligible for prizes. Participants can pick up any ordered shirts either Wednesday, November 25, 3:00-4:00 PM at McNeil Park or Thanksgiving morning at McNeil Park pavilion. If you are not entering the event and would still like to purchase a T-Shirt, you may order directly from the STORE on this website. [No more t-shirt orders will be taken after November 12. Additional Event Information For all event information, see the EVENT INFO page for specific details about the 5K run/walk or 1.5 Mile Dog Stroll. At the finish line there will be water, bananas, and treats for everyone. Random drawing for prizes for tickets to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and other prizes courtesy of the AB Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe , and BattleWorks (Atlantic Beach). The Turkey Trot is sponsored by the Town of Pine Knoll Shores Parks and Recreation Committee and will occur rain or shine! *Please note that attendance is limited to 400 registrations to make sure our Public Safety team can manage the overwhelming response to our event.
Hotels Near This Race
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Pine Knoll Shores Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk & 1.5 Mile Dog Stroll 2026 — Pine Knoll Shores, 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 Pine Knoll Shores, 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 Pine Knoll Shores Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk & 1.5 Mile Dog Stroll 2026 — Pine Knoll Shores, NC?
Pine Knoll Shores Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk & 1.5 Mile Dog Stroll 2026 — Pine Knoll Shores, NC takes place on November 26, 2026. The race is held in Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina.
Where is Pine Knoll Shores Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk & 1.5 Mile Dog Stroll 2026 — Pine Knoll Shores, NC held?
Pine Knoll Shores Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk & 1.5 Mile Dog Stroll 2026 — Pine Knoll Shores, NC is held at 196 Oakleaf Drive in Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near Pine Knoll Shores Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk & 1.5 Mile Dog Stroll 2026 — Pine Knoll Shores, NC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Pine Knoll Shores. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
