Waynesville Turkey Trot

The Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Turkey Trot is an annual 5K race held on Thanksgiving morning at Lake Junaluska Assembly in Waynesville, North Carolina. The event features a scenic clockwise loop course around Lake Junaluska, starting and finishing at the Weldon Gymnasium. Capped at 600 participants to ensure a quality experience, the race offers water stations and indoor restroom facilities.

It welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs and provides awards for top overall and age group finishers. Proceeds benefit local Haywood County projects including scholarships, Habitat for Humanity, and recovery programs. The race fosters a festive atmosphere, encouraging families and friends to "first the huffin’; then the stuffin’!". Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.