Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut
Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 7:00 AM EST
- Type
- Run
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
A festive, family-friendly Turkey Strut 5K in Bryson City, NC, where 100% of proceeds support Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness.
- Fun
- Scenic
- Competitive
- Festive
- For a Cause
Fun
Scenic
Competitive
Festive
For a CauseGreat for
- Beginner Friendly
Beginner FriendlyJoin the Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut, a run/walk designed for all ages and paces in Bryson City, NC. This event offers both an in-person experience at the Kituwah Mound and a flexible DIY virtual option. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a beautiful course and participate in a family-friendly gathering. Every step supports a vital cause, as 100% of all proceeds benefit Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness. Enjoy cool shirts, great awards, and the spirit of giving.
What to expect
Enjoy a beautiful course starting and finishing at Kituwah Mound. This event welcomes everyone, from seasoned runners to new joggers and walkers. Compete for awards across many age groups, or opt for the flexible DIY 5K.
Standout details
- 100% of proceeds benefit charity
- Family-friendly with youth age groups
- DIY virtual 5K option available
- Free entry with $50+ donation
Distances & registration
2 optionsUse the official signup link above for all distances.
Other options
1 option · closes Nov 22, 2026, 12:00 PM EST
6mo 24d 3h 44m leftDIY 5K
Closes Nov 22, 2026, 12:00 PM EST · From $17.85
5K
1 option · closes Nov 21, 2026, 6:59 AM EST
6mo 22d 22h 43m leftRun
Closes Nov 21, 2026, 6:59 AM EST · From $17.85
Summaries use public event text. Confirm schedule, fees, and rules on the official page before you sign up.
Past race snapshot
What the field usually feels like
A plain-English read from past public results. It is helpful context, not a prediction.
Crowd
Small field
96 3.11 Miles finishers in 2025. A quieter race where the pack may spread out more quickly.
Typical finish
33:02
Think middle-of-the-pack, using chip time when available.
Competitive feel
Speedy front
There is real pace up front, even if the overall field is broad. Front-group read: 18:36.
People mix
Balanced mix
About 52% women and 48% men among finishers who listed gender.
Quick read
For the 3.11 Miles in 2025, this looks like a small field: 96 finishers are represented here. A middle-of-the-pack finish was around 33:02. The quicker front of the field averaged about 18:36. Use it as a feel check, not a promise about race day.
Show the year-by-year numbers
| Distance | Year | Finishers | Typical | Average | Front 10% | Fastest M / W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.11 Miles | 2025 | 96 | 33:02 | 35:24 | 18:36 | 16:25 / 18:51 |
Last summary update: Apr 30, 2026
From the organizer
We are offering two ways to enjoy the 2025 Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut run/walk . On-Site and In-Person on November 22nd at Kituwah Mound in Bryson City, NC. For those who live out of the area we also have the DIY 5K - November 15th-23rd .
IN-PERSON :
Hosted by Cherokee Choices , the Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut Run/Walk offers something for everyone - from seasoned runners to new joggers/walkers too. With Age Groups (and Awards) 8 & Under, 9-12, & 13-16 you know this is a real Family Fun event.
Come out and enjoy a beautiful course that Starts and Finishes at the Kituwah Mound. Cool shirts, great awards, and a great cause.
ALL (as in 100%) of all proceeds benefit Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness . Donate $50 or more and your Entry is FREE!!
RACE START: 12:00 NOON Race Day Registration is available from 11:00 to 11:45am.
AWARDS: Top 3 Overall Male & Female
The 5K will be Scored as follows : Top 3 Male & Female Age Groups: 8 & Under, 9-12, 13-16, 17-19, 20-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-50, 51-60, and 61+
ENTRY FEES: Only $5 for Kids 12 & Under and Elders 60+ Adults : $15. $20 after November 2nd Donate $50 or more and your Entry is FREE!!
_______________________
DIY 5K
In addition to the on-site 5K, Cherokee Choices is offering a "DIY" option for the 2025 Cherokee 5K Turkey Strut .
This “Do It Yourself” or Virtual Event will allow participants to run or walk at any time and any location that is convenient for you and your families. Run around the block, on trails, 12.5 laps around a track, or even run on a treadmill. You don't even have to live in Western NC - so please invite friends and family in other states or countries to join the fun.
While not required – you can submit your time for inclusion in the online “just for fun” results. We will collect times from November 16th until the 24th. Check out the "DIY 5K INFO" tab for additional details.
NOTE : Participants who register for the On-Site 5K are welcome to switch to the DIY 5K at any time. Please Contact the Race for details.