Lake Norman Half Marathon Turkey Trot 10K & 5K

Lake Norman Half Marathon Turkey Trot 10K & 5K is held in Cornelius, North Carolina, in Mecklenburg County, on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026. Organized by Epic Sports Marketing, the event runs three staggered starts: the half marathon (13.1 miles) at 7:30 a.m., the 10K (6.2 miles) at 7:40 a.m. and the 5K (3.1 miles) at 7:50 a.m. The courses are scenic and follow the shores of Lake Norman, and the morning brings together a lively community of athletes and supporters on the lakefront.

Each distance answers a different goal. The half marathon is presented as a personal-best opportunity, which makes it a good target for a 12-week fall build with a weekly long run reaching 10 to 12 miles and one tempo session a week. The 10K is a solid challenge for runners who have kept steady mileage through the autumn, and the fast 5K suits anyone looking for a quick hard effort or a first race. With starts only ten minutes apart, families can split across distances and regroup at the finish. Expect a cool lakeside morning and warm up accordingly.