Lake Norman Turkey Trot
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Lake Norman Turkey Trot - 20th Annual
The 20th Annual Lake Norman Turkey Trot takes place on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2026, in Cornelius, North Carolina. The event is based at Life Fellowship Church on Lake Norman, located between Huntersville and Mooresville.
Participants can choose from the following distances:
- Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- 10K (6.2 miles)
- 5K (3.1 miles)
- Virtual Run (any distance)
The courses are run entirely on asphalt and the half marathon is organized as two loops; the course is currently being certified. Packet pickup is available the day before the race and on race morning at Life Fellowship Church.
Finisher items and event swag include a finisher medal, short sleeve tech shirt, and a collectors edition backpack. Half marathon entrants registered by October 23, 2026 are eligible for a hoodie. Virtual participants receive a participation medal, race shirt and swag that are shipped after the event.
Awards are given to the top three men and top three women overall and in age group divisions for each distance. The event supports the Human Health Project; athletes are asked to bring non-perishable food items to registration for local food shelters. Event policies note that strollers start at the back of the 5K, toddlers under four may walk with parents free of charge, and pets, firearms and alcohol are not permitted.
A volunteer program is in place and volunteers may earn free race entry. A referral program offers portions of entry fees back to participants who share a referral code. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
