United Way Turkey Trot 5K - Cartersville
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About the race
The United Way Turkey Trot at Sam Smith Park in Cartersville is an annual community running and walking event that benefits the United Way of Bartow County. The event day includes online registration, race-day registration, packet pickup, a race routed on the traditional course with minor adjustments for 2026, and an awards presentation.
Distances offered include a 5K race and a shorter Giblet Jog event. Online registration opens in May and closes in mid-November; online entry fees are listed at $30 for the 5K and $25 for the Giblet Jog, with higher race day rates noted. Pre-race packet pickup for pre-registered participants is scheduled the day before the race at Big Peach Running Co. in Cartersville.
The start and finish areas are located at the entrance to the Sam Smith Soccer Complex behind Cartersville Middle School off Milner Road, with event parking in the Cartersville Soccer Complex/Ric Mason Fields parking lot. The course returns to its traditional layout for 2026 with a few small changes. Awards for the 5K include top overall male and female placings, masters winners, and top three male and female finishers in age categories from 10 and under through 80 and over; the top eight finishers also receive a frozen turkey. The event proceeds in all weather. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
