Iredell County Special Olympics Thanksgiving Turkey Chase 5k / 10k / Fun Run

Iredell County Special Olympics Thanksgiving Turkey Chase 5k / 10k / Fun Run takes place in Statesville, North Carolina, on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026. Three formats all start at 9:00 a.m.: a 10K (6.2 miles), a 5K (3.1 miles) and a 1 Mile fun run, so there is a distance for every age and fitness level. The event benefits Special Olympics in Iredell County, and you are encouraged to bring canned goods and gently used items to support local charities. The organizers frame it as a community event that promotes fitness while encouraging a spirit of generosity over the Thanksgiving period.

With the 10K and 5K starting together, you can pick the distance that matches your season. The 10K suits runners who have been logging regular mileage through the fall and want a solid effort before winter; a weekly run of 6 to 8 miles plus one tempo session in the preceding month is sound preparation. The 5K is the better call for a first race or a quick hard effort, and the 1 mile is ideal for kids and walkers. Dress in layers for a cool Piedmont morning and jog a few easy minutes before the start.