Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Turkey Trot
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About the race
The Waynesville Sunrise Rotary Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day 5K held at Lake Junaluska with start and finish at Weldon Gym. The course follows a clockwise loop around the lake and includes one water station. Timing uses a chip in the race bib; runners are asked to wear the bib on the front and avoid crinkling it.
Packet pickup is scheduled Wednesday, November 25, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at Bosus Wine Shop (138 Miller Street, Waynesville) and on Thursday morning at the Weldon Outdoor Gymnasium at Lake Junaluska. Indoor restrooms are adjacent to Weldon Gymnasium when available, and supplemental portable toilets will be provided.
The 2026 beneficiaries include scholarships for the Haywood Schools Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Mountain Projects, Helene recovery, and other local Haywood County projects. Race capacity has been increased to 800 participants. The event has a no refund policy and is held rain or shine; transfers to another person are permitted for a fee before the published transfer deadline.
Awards include special prizes for the top three overall male and female and top Masters (40 and over) male and female. Age-group awards are presented to the first, second and third male and female in the following groups: 12 & Under, 13–15, 16–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, and 75 & Over. No double dipping. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
