Waynesville Turkey Trot

The Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Turkey Trot is an annual 5K running event held at Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center in Waynesville, North Carolina, on Thanksgiving Day. The race features a scenic clockwise loop around Lake Junaluska, starting and finishing at Weldon Gymnasium. Capped at 600 participants to ensure a quality experience, the event welcomes runners of all ages and well-behaved dogs on leashes.

Proceeds benefit local Haywood County projects including scholarships, Habitat for Humanity, and recovery programs. Participants receive timing chips, and awards are given to top overall and age group finishers. Post-race refreshments and a festive atmosphere make it a popular community tradition. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.