Hardin Valley Hawk to Trot 5K

Hardin Valley Hawk to Trot 5K is an annual Thanksgiving race in Knoxville, Tennessee, on November 26, 2026, welcoming both the local community and visitors. The Hawk Trot 5K (3.1 miles) starts at 8:00 a.m. and begins and ends at Hardin Valley Academy, with a course that runs through the school campus. A separate Junior Hawk Mile at 7:30 a.m. is reserved for kids under 10, and each young finisher receives a medal and a festive gift. Awards go to the top overall finishers and to age-group winners.

A campus course means a relatively contained route with turns rather than long straight roads, so a smooth, even pace will serve you better than a fast opening surge. If you want an age-group award, six weeks with one weekly interval session and a short taper will sharpen you up; beginners can build toward the distance with three easy run/walk sessions a week. Because the kids' mile starts half an hour before the 5K, parents can watch their children finish and still make the main start with time for a short warm-up.