Charlottesville Turkey Trot 5k

Thu, Nov 26, 2026, 4:00 AM EST

Location: Albemarle High School, 2775 Hydraulic Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901
Type: Run

Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).

Race feel

Start your Thanksgiving with purpose at this community-focused 5k, supporting local food banks on a friendly neighborhood course.

Competitive
Festive
For a Cause

Great for

Faith & Community

Embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving morning at the Charlottesville Turkey Trot 5k. This community event features a neighborhood course with gentle rolling hills, perfect for starting your holiday. Your participation proudly supports the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, providing vital food resources to those in need. Gather your friends, family, or coworkers to form a team and compete for bragging rights, or enjoy a solo run to give back.

From the organizer

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).