Waynesville Turkey Trot
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Event overview
The Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Turkey Trot is scheduled for November 27, 2025 at Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center in Lake Junaluska, NC. The event is a 5K road run that benefits local Haywood County projects, including scholarships for Haywood Schools Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Mountain Projects and Helene Recovery. The race is capped at 600 participants and online registration opens July 14 and closes November 24, or earlier if the event sells out.
Race course and logistics
The course starts and finishes at Weldon Gym and follows a clockwise loop around Lake Junaluska. There is one water station on course. Race timing uses a chip in the race bib; runners are asked to wear the bib on the front and keep it flat. Packet pickup is available the day before at Bosu Wine Shop and on race morning at Weldon Outdoor Gymnasium. Entry fees are listed separately for adults and youth (12 and under) with lower rates before November; transfers to another person are allowed for a $2 processing fee. The event has a no-refund policy and is held rain or shine. Post-race drinks and snacks are provided prior to the awards ceremony. Awards include special prizes for the top three overall male and female finishers, top Masters (40 and over), and age-group prizes through 75 and over. Well-behaved, vaccinated dogs on leashes are permitted; dog runners should start at the back of the pack. Volunteers are needed for set-up, parking, course marshals, food and drink, and take-down. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.