Charlottesville Turkey Trot 5k 2026

Description

Come join us for the 2026 Charlottesville Turkey Trot 5k on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26th at 9:00 am. The race starts and finishes next to Albemarle High School and features a neighborhood course with flat stretches and gentle rolling hills, totaling 133 feet of elevation gain. Ample parking will be available at Albemarle High School, Journey Middle School, and Greer Elementary.

The race proudly supports two local beneficiaries: the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, both of which provide critical food resources to individuals and families in need. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank serves Central Virginia and is an affiliate of the national organization Feeding America. Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, located directly on the race route, is the largest distributor of food from the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank in the Charlottesville area and provides free groceries to families and individuals up to two times per month, with nearly one-third of households visiting twice monthly.

Race registration is $35 beginning Sept. 1. Registration includes a soft technical race t-shirt that’s comfortable for running or everyday wear while supplies last. Sign up by October 26 to guarantee a race shirt.

Participants may register as individual runners or form a team with coworkers, family, neighbors, or sports teammates. Teams compete for the four fastest cumulative times and year-long bragging rights.

We extend our thanks to Blue Ridge Timing for providing chip timing for the course and Connect Church for hosting packet pickup.

No race refunds or deferrals . No dogs on the race course. Strollers are permitted only in the last wave —no exceptions. If stroller participants do not start in the final wave, this option will not be offered in future races.

Local Albemarle EMT medical services will be on site. We are grateful for their volunteer support and for all who help ensure a safe and enjoyable race experience.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, partners, and volunteers for their dedication and care in bringing the community together through the Charlottesville Turkey Trot. We truly couldn’t do it without you.

PACKET PICKUP: Tuesday, Nov. 24 (3-6pm) at Connect Church, 2080 Lambs Rd, (across from Albemarle High School).

Wednesday, Nov. 25 (1-5pm) at Connect Church, 2080 Lambs Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901

RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP Avoid race morning lines by picking up your packet on Tuesday (3-6pm) or Wednesday (1-5pm) at Connect Church. If you need to pick up your race packet on race morning it will be open from 7:45am-8:30am at the race venue at Albemarle High School's main track entrance.

LATE REGISTRATION: Wed., Nov 25, 6pm thru Thurs., Nov. 26th 8:30am. Late registration price increases to $48. We recommend registering online before arriving at Packet Pickup to make your check-in faster.

VIRTUAL OPTION AVAILABLE Run your Turkey Trot 5k anywhere between 11/26/2025-11/29/2025 until 5:00pm. Sign up by Oct 26 to guarantee a t-shirt in your size.

Race Updates: Like our Facebook page at CvilleTurkeyTrot and stay tuned to your race emails for any updates, changes or additional packet pickup instructions.