Calabash Turkey Trot

Calabash Turkey Trot is held in Calabash, North Carolina, on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026, and packs four races into one morning. The 10.321-mile run (about 16.6 km) and the 10K (6.2 miles) both start at 7:00 a.m., the 5K follows at 8:30 a.m., and the Mashed Potato 1 Miler closes things out at 9:15 a.m. You can enter a single event or take on the Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge by completing all of them. Golden Turkey Trophies go to the top overall and age-group finishers, there is a prize for best costume, and every finisher is met with a slice of pumpkin pie and coffee. An awards ceremony follows, and winners need to be present to collect. Coastal Race Productions puts on the event.

The unusual 10.321-mile distance is the draw for runners who want more than a holiday 5K: it is long enough to reward a real build, roughly eight to ten weeks with a weekly long run of eight to ten miles. The 10K suits a steady tempo effort, while the 5K and the mile keep the morning open to families and walkers. If you attempt the full challenge, pace the early races conservatively and refuel between starts.