South Asheville Turkey Trot at Biltmore Park

Start Thanksgiving Day with movement, fresh air, and a festive South Asheville tradition at the South Asheville Turkey Trot.

Presented by Hunter Subaru and produced by iDaph Events, the Turkey Trot takes place Thursday, November 26 at 9:00 AM in Biltmore Park Town Square. Runners and walkers will complete a 5K through the Biltmore Park neighborhood before returning to Town Square for the finish.

The South Asheville Turkey Trot is designed for a wide range of participants. Competitive runners can chase personal records and age-group awards, while families, walkers, friends, and casual runners can simply enjoy an active start to Thanksgiving morning.

Festive costumes are encouraged, and prizes are awarded for some of the most creative outfits. Whether you arrive dressed as a turkey, pilgrim, pumpkin, or something completely unexpected, the costume element adds plenty of personality to race morning.

A Thanksgiving 5K Through Biltmore Park

The 3.1-mile course starts and finishes in Biltmore Park Town Square and winds through the surrounding residential neighborhood.

The route includes a few moderate hills but is designed to be approachable for both runners and walkers. With quiet neighborhood streets, very little vehicle traffic, and spectators cheering along the course, the Turkey Trot is a family-friendly Thanksgiving event.

The race begins at 9:00 AM, with a course cutoff of 10:30 AM. That gives participants up to an hour and a half to complete the 5K.

Professional chip timing is provided using the MyLaps timing system, and the course is USATF certified and fully marked. Awards are presented to overall winners and top finishers in age groups. Runners looking for an extra challenge can also chase the current course records, with a $100 prize offered for breaking them.

Strollers are welcome. Participants using strollers who are not racing competitively are encouraged to begin toward the back of the pack to help keep the start safe and orderly.

Dogs may come along as spectators but cannot participate on the race course because of congestion and safety considerations.

Turkey Trot Shirts, Medals, Costumes, and Holiday Fun

The South Asheville Turkey Trot is about more than finishing 3.1 miles.

Registered participants receive a commemorative race shirt when they register before the applicable deadline. After November 1, shirts are available as a paid add-on. Participants also receive a custom finisher medal featuring a spinning turkey design.

Children age 12 and younger receive discounted registration, helping make the Turkey Trot an accessible Thanksgiving activity for families.

The race also serves as the first event in iDaph’s Holiday Hustle Series. Participants who complete the South Asheville Turkey Trot, Ugly Sweater Run, and New Year’s Resolution Run can take part in the three-event holiday challenge.

Traveling for Thanksgiving? A virtual option allows runners and walkers to complete the distance wherever they happen to be. Virtual participants can run on their own schedule, submit results online, and receive eligible event swag by mail.

The event also supports community partners including Least of These Asheville and the iDream Athletes Foundation. iDream Athletes provides needs-based assistance to help Western North Carolina youth and adults cover costs such as event fees, coaching, travel, and equipment.

Whether your goal is a fast finish, a family walk, a memorable costume, or simply earning your Thanksgiving meal a little early, the South Asheville Turkey Trot offers a fun way to start the holiday.

Visit https://idaph.net/south-asheville-turkey-trot/ to register, review current race information, and access packet pickup, parking, and event-day details.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the South Asheville Turkey Trot?

The race takes place Thursday, November 26, 2026. The 5K begins at 9:00 AM.

Where is the race held?

The race starts and finishes at Biltmore Park Town Square in South Asheville and travels through the surrounding neighborhood.

How long is the Turkey Trot?

The event is a 5K, or 3.1 miles.

Can walkers participate?

Yes. The South Asheville Turkey Trot welcomes both runners and walkers.

Are strollers allowed?

Yes. The course is stroller-friendly. Noncompetitive stroller participants are encouraged to start toward the back.

Can dogs run in the race?

No. Dogs are welcome as spectators but cannot participate on the race course.

Is there a virtual option?

Yes. Participants unable to attend in person may register for the virtual event and complete their 5K on their own schedule.

Do participants receive a medal?

Yes. The event includes a custom commemorative finisher medal featuring a spinning turkey.