Get ready to lace up your running shoes and embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving with the annual Turkey Day 8k/5k Race! This beloved community event is more than just a race; it’s a fantastic way to kick off your holiday with fun, fitness, and a generous dose of gratitude. Whether you’re a seasoned runner aiming for a personal best or looking for a leisurely stroll with family and friends, there’s a distance for everyone. Best of all, your participation directly supports TreesUpstate, a wonderful organization dedicated to planting and preserving trees in our community, making the upstate greener and healthier for generations to come.
We’re incredibly excited to announce that this year’s event is proudly presented by Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. Their generous support allows us to host a top-notch race experience while maximizing our contribution to TreesUpstate. So, mark your calendars for Thursday, November 27th, 2025, and join us for a memorable Thanksgiving morning filled with community spirit and a shared commitment to a greener future. It’s a perfect way to give back while enjoying a healthy start to your holiday festivities.
The Turkey Day 8k/5k Race is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, November 27th, 2025. The 8k Run will begin promptly at 8:00 AM, with corrals starting their launch. Shortly after, at 8:30 AM, the 5k Fun Run & Walk will commence, allowing participants to enjoy a more relaxed pace. This staggered start ensures a smooth experience for all participants, whether you’re sprinting or strolling.
Curious about the route? You can check out the draft course maps for both the 8k and 5k races by clicking the provided link. Please keep in mind that these maps are pending final approval and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or natural events. We’ll do our best to keep them as is, but your safety and the integrity of the course are our top priorities. Stay tuned for any updates!
Exciting prizes await our top finishers! For the 8k Run, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall winners (based on gun time) will receive cash awards of $100, $75, and $50, respectively. The 5k Fun Run also boasts impressive cash prizes for its top finishers: $75 for first place, $50 for second, and $35 for third, all based on gun time. It’s a great incentive to push yourself and aim for the podium.
Beyond the overall awards, we’ll be recognizing excellence in age groups. The top three finishers in each age category, based on chip time, will receive a stylish Boco Running Hat. We have a wide range of age groups, including 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, and then increments of five years all the way up to 80 and over for both male, female, and non-binary participants. All awards, both cash and Boco hats, can be picked up at Fleet Feet Sports Greenville starting November 29th.
This year’s race shirt is a super-soft, long-sleeve blend for adults, and a technical long-sleeve shirt for youth participants. It’s the same popular design we’ve used in previous successful years, so you know you’re getting a comfortable and stylish piece of swag. It’s perfect for staying warm on a cool Thanksgiving morning or wearing throughout the fall season.
Completing the race swag, every participant who crosses the finish line will receive a special finisher medal. It’s a tangible reminder of your accomplishment and a great keepsake from a fun-filled Thanksgiving morning. These medals, along with the chance to win one of the coveted Boco Running Hats for age group winners, add extra value to your registration and make this race a memorable experience.
Packet pickup is available at multiple convenient locations and times. You can grab your race packet, which includes your bib and shirt, at Fleet Feet Sports Greenville (635 Augusta Street) on Monday, November 24th, and Tuesday, November 25th, during their regular business hours. We extend a special thanks to Fleet Feet for their continued support of our race year after year!
For those who prefer to pick up closer to race day, we have an additional packet pickup location at Yee-Haw Brewing Company (307 E. McBee Ave.). You can collect your packet there on Wednesday, November 26th, from 10 AM to 6 PM. Race day packet pickup is also available at Yee-Haw Brewing Company on Thursday, November 27th, from 6:30 AM until the start of each race. This offers flexibility for participants, especially those traveling from out of town.
On-site registration will be available during packet pickup hours on Wednesday, November 26th, and on race morning, Thursday, November 27th, until 7:30 AM. So, even if you miss the online deadline, you can still join the fun! Online registration will remain open until the race officially begins, so you have ample opportunity to sign up at your convenience.
When it comes to parking on race day, you’re in luck! The City of Greenville is offering FREE parking in City of Greenville lots throughout Thanksgiving Day. This makes getting to the race venue hassle-free and allows you to focus on enjoying the event without worrying about parking fees or availability. Just head to the designated lots and get ready to race!
TreesUpstate will have a limited number of their wonderful Energy Saving Trees available for participants on a first-come, first-served basis, thanks to the support of Duke Energy. These trees are a fantastic way to contribute to our community’s green initiatives. Be sure to pick one up if you’re among the early birds, as supplies are limited and they go quickly!
Get into the festive spirit with our Costume Contest, proudly sponsored by Fleet Feet Sports Greenville! We absolutely love seeing your creative pilgrim, turkey, and fall-themed outfits. To enter, simply snap a photo of yourself in costume on Thanksgiving Day, post it to your social media, be sure to include your bib number in the picture, and tag us @TreesUpstateTurkeyDay. We can’t wait to see your amazing costumes!
A friendly reminder that this event is a “Rain or Shine” affair. So, whether the weather is perfectly cool or a bit wet, the race will go on! Make sure to dress appropriately for the conditions on race day. We encourage everyone to participate and enjoy the community atmosphere, come what may. Your registration fee still goes towards supporting TreesUpstate, no matter the weather.
Good news for families: strollers are welcome on both the 8k and 5k courses, so you can push your little ones along. Children riding in strollers or running joggers do not need to be registered. And yes, this race proudly benefits TreesUpstate, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving our local environment. We’re thrilled to have your support!
The Turkey Day 8k/5k Race is more than just a run; it’s a lively celebration of community, health, and environmental stewardship. It’s a chance to connect with neighbors, enjoy the beautiful fall weather, and make a tangible difference in our local landscape by supporting TreesUpstate. Every stride you take helps plant more trees and foster a greener, healthier Upstate for everyone.
So, gather your family, friends, and even your costumed alter-egos, and join us for a Thanksgiving morning filled with energy and purpose. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be active, have fun, and contribute to a worthy cause. Sign up today and be a part of something special! Register now or visit our website to learn more about the race and TreesUpstate’s impactful work.
