Each year, Thanksgiving Day holds the most 5K races in the country compared to any other calendar day. Sacramento’s Race to Feed the Hungry claimed to be the largest Thanksgiving Day Race in 2024, with about 31,000 combined finishers between its 5K and 10K.
Thankfully for folks spending Thanksgiving on Hilton Head Island, anyone can participate in the largest annual race day at the 2025 Hilton Head Turkey Trot 5K. Runners and walkers are invited to get in on the holiday fun, kicking off at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. An estimated 1,800 people of all ages will hit the pavement for the 37th annual event.
Island Rec Center’s Joe Cain with CH2’s Maggie Washo and Kim Crouch at the Turkey Trot, circa 2020.
The race has become an annual tradition for many locals and visitors. Multigenerational families will lace up for the athletic adventure which welcomes runners, walkers, and strollers (but no pets) to enjoy a cool morning together. Kristin Keller and her good friend, Julie James, have been Turkey Trotting together for 18 years, except for one year, when Julie was pregnant with her son. In 2014, their young daughters joined in on the fun and ever since, it’s become an annual girls’ activity for their foursome to kick off the holiday morning.
Julie and her daughter, Taylor, drive to Kristin’s house early each Thanksgiving Day and they all walk to the starting line together. They love competing in the race, seeing lots of friends and having fun. “It’s just a great way to start Thanksgiving – and we’ve made it a tradition,” Kristin said.
Afterwards, they grab a beer at the finish line then head back to Kristin’s house for coffee and to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade together. Kristin’s daughter, Laura, was unable to run the 5K last year so instead she stayed involved with the annual tradition by being a volunteer at the event. She proudly presented the other women with their finisher medals at the finish line.
Turkey trotters are encouraged to dress up for the holiday, so don’t be surprised to see several turkeys and Pilgrims making their way along the course. Folks from all over the country are on the island for the long weekend. For many participants, it’s the only 5K race they do each year because they love their family tradition of competing together. “It’s always packed with a ton of tourists too, which is so great to see,” Kristin said. “It’s fun to see families running together with their turkey hats on and their matching T-shirts.”
In one of the more memorable years for the foursome, Taylor’s brother accidentally jumped on Laura the weekend before Thanksgiving, breaking her arm. Laura was determined to complete the race anyway, and gave it her all while wearing a sling and speed walking down the course.
This family friendly event is hosted by the Island Recreation Center. It kicks off from Skull Creek Boathouse, travels into Hilton Head Plantation, then turns around and heads straight back to the starting line, aka the finish line. For those serious about the competition, chip timers are used to measure official race times. Awards will be given to first, second, and third places for the fastest overall men and women. Fruit, pastries, and beer are available at the finish line party along with a giant screen to check out official race times.
The foursome in 2023, from left: Kristin Keller, Laura Keller, Taylor James, and Julie James.
Kristin, who serves as the board president of the Island Recreation Center, said, “It’s just a great, feel-good, family event for the community and it’s truly an island tradition.”
Registration is $50 per competitor, which includes a long-sleeve T-shirt and finisher medal. Pets are not allowed. Visit islandreccenter.org to sign up but be aware, registration usually sells out the week before Thanksgiving.
The event is a fundraiser for the Island Recreation Center, whose goal is to make sure no child is denied access to recreation because of the cost.
