Calabash Turkey Trot 2025: The Grand Strand’s Biggest Thanksgiving Tradition
As the sun rises over the Carolina coast on Thanksgiving morning, the streets of Calabash, North Carolina, fill with the sound of sneakers on pavement, laughter, and cheer. Families, friends, and runners of all ages gather for one of the area’s most beloved holiday events — the Calabash Turkey Trot.
Hosted by Coastal Race Productions, this festive race has grown into the largest Turkey Trot in the Grand Strand, drawing participants from across the Carolinas. What started as a simple way to stay active before the big Thanksgiving feast has become a can’t-miss community celebration filled with energy, excitement, and gratitude.
For residents and visitors alike, it’s more than just a run. It’s a morning spent celebrating health, community, and the coastal lifestyle that makes Calabash so special.
Running Through Kingfish Bay
Each year, runners wind their way through the scenic streets of Kingfish Bay, where the palm-lined roads and coastal cottages provide a beautiful backdrop for the 5K and 10K routes. For our community, the Turkey Trot is a highlight of the year — we’ve welcomed thousands of runners into our neighborhood and shared in the joy of this Thanksgiving tradition.
We’re proud that our community has literally paved the way for athletes over the years, helping make the Calabash Turkey Trot one of the region’s most memorable and meaningful events. Check out photos from last year’s race by clicking here and visiting Coastal Race Productions’ Facebook page.
Choose Your Race
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just here for fun, there’s a distance for everyone:
- 10K – A scenic challenge starting at 7:00 AM
- 5K – A crowd favorite beginning at 8:30 AM
- 1-Mile Fun Run – Perfect for families and kids at 9:15 AM
- Challenge – Run all three and earn four medals in one morning, including a special spinning Challenge medal
All finishers receive a custom medal and a tech quarter-zip pullover, included for 5K, 10K, and Challenge participants. One-mile runners can add a soft race shirt for only $10.
After your race, enjoy pumpkin pie, awards, and a live celebration near the Calabash waterfront.
Important 2025 Turkey Trot Details:
- Race Day: Thursday, November 27, 2025
- Packet Pickup: Wednesday, November 26, 12:00–7:00 PM
- Location: Sea Trail Convention Center, 75 Clubhouse Rd., Sunset Beach, NC
Timing and Course:
- Certified 5K and 10K routes by USATF
- Professional timing for accurate results
- Water and Gatorade stations every two miles
Challenge Requirements:
- 10K must be completed in 90 minutes
- 5K must be completed in 45 minutes
Get Involved:
Not running this year? Become part of the tradition as a volunteer. All volunteers receive a race shirt and can choose between a donation to a local charity or a free race entry for a future event.
A Celebration of Community and Coastal Living
The Calabash Turkey Trot captures everything we love about life on the Carolina coast — community spirit, active living, and time spent outdoors with friends and family. Whether you’re lacing up your running shoes or cheering from the sidelines in Kingfish Bay, it’s the perfect way to start Thanksgiving Day.
Register now through Coastal Race Productions
and join the Grand Strand’s biggest Turkey Trot. We’ll see you at the starting line in Calabash.
Information, photos, and graphics credited to Coastal Race Productions! AKA, the Rockstars of the Show.